Congrats, Hailey Mia: 5 Questions with The Voice's Youngest Finalist!
Posted Monday, November 29th 2021 by Kacey Velazquez
Hailey Mia has taken the country by storm with her soulful tone and incredible control - all at the age of 14! She's a part of the NYVC community and took the time out of her production schedule to answer our questions about The Voice, her experience, and her advice to other aspiring singers...
Hi Hailey! Congratulations on your success on NBC's The Voice! What is it like to be the youngest singer on the series?
Being the youngest singer on the series has truly been an experience! It's so amazing to be able to connect with everyone here who all have so much more experience than I do and learn so much as I go along. I feel like a little sister because everyone is just so encouraging. It's awesome!
What inspired you to audition for The Voice?
Singing has been a passion of mine since I was very young - David knows all about it. I've always known that I've wanted to do something career wise with singing so I was waiting to turn 13 to be able to audition.
Who are some singers that have impacted you the most in your career?
Singers that have impacted me the most... I would have to say Adele, Taylor Swift, Kelly Clarkson, and Ariana Grande.
What advice do you have for singers who want to audition for shows like The Voice?
Do it! Don't hold back - and believe in yourself. Hard work really pays off!
We are so happy that you're a part of the NYVC community! How did working with your vocal coach, David McCall, help prepare you for an experience like The Voice?
My favorite question! Honestly, if it wasn't for David and my parents funding lessons I wouldn't be where I am today. He has taught me so much about my voice and that there is so much more to vocals than just singing. All the things he has shown me throughout the years during my lessons have prepared me for this very moment - and will continue to follow me thoughout my career. I'm super excited to get back to work with him in the future.
Kacey Velazquez
Kacey Velazquez is a seasoned vocal coach, songwriter, and recording artist from New York City. Kacey has been involved in the arts her whole life, getting her start in musical theatre. When she was just thirteen years old, she began songwriting, recording, and performing her original music at acclaimed venues in New York City including The Bitter End, 54 Below, The Cutting Room, The Astor Room, and the St. George Theatre.
Dealing with Discouragement
In this article, New York Vocal Coaching Instructor Abby Payne discusses tips for how singers can deal with discouragement.
NYVC Presents "Operation Practical: Make Your Pedagogy Matter"
The purpose behind “Operation Practical” is for the vocal teacher to then “take those ideas and break them down to be more relatable to the average singer.”
Am I "Cast-able"?
Before I became a professional music director, I had every intention of becoming a musical theatre performer. I studied four years at the prestigious Musical Theatre program at the University of Michigan, then, as was expected, pursued the life of an actor here in New York. But somewhere along the way, I made a turn and didn't quite end up where I'd planned...