Female singer inquiry

[Tiko]

It is a rare occasion that I recommend an artist before the introduction of any proper full-length album, but this one may call for an exception.

This song should come as the debut single of a new singer originating from our little home country. The song itself is hundred percent 'classic' pop music, so - if you don't have the stomach for that, don't bother - judge accordingly. Can't point you to an audio only link at the moment (which I would've preferred), so there's only the video:

Manna - Across the Oceans

A little knowledge of how music industry works nowadays lends you the reason why this is -, or is not needed; personally I think fulfills its expectations as a first, self-made single. She also happens to be a friend of mine and I'm not entirely sure that of my judgement is unbiased, so I figured I'll ask around for first impressions/ opinions here too.

But more profoundly, what the main 'features' are exactly these days that may be desired by the audience/other artists from an emerging female singer to get recognized?

[Legit]

It has mostly to do with luck. There are thousands of "new", "emerging", "rising" artists every day and the simple truth is very few will be recognized. The audience for music, pop music especially, is so diverse that there isn't a set of rules that determine if an artist will be successful than another. The fact that Dark Horse, The Monster, and Royals were all recently the #1 on the Billboard 100 (3 very different types of songs) exemplifies this. Plus, artists must also consider other factors such as image, stage presence, location, reach, etc. Anyone can write a catchy pop song but all it really comes down to is getting lucky and hoping that someone thinks you have potential and gives you chance.