Halsey

Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, known professionally as Halsey, is an American singer, songwriter, and actor, celebrated for her distinctive singing voice and impactful music. She was born on September 29, 1994, in Edison, New Jersey, Halsey has garnered numerous accolades, including three Billboard Music Awards, a Billboard Women in Music Award, an American Music Award, and three Grammy nominations. In 2020, she was named one of Time’s 100 most influential people in the world.

Halsey’s journey to stardom began with self-released music on social media platforms, which caught the attention of Astralwerks. In 2014, she signed with the label and released her debut extended play, Room 93. Her first studio album, Badlands (2015), debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 and achieved double platinum certification. The album’s singles, including “Colors,” “Gasoline,” and “New Americana,” established her as a prominent figure in the music industry, with “New Americana” becoming her first Billboard Hot 100 entry.

In 2016, Halsey collaborated with The Chainsmokers on “Closer,” a chart-topping hit that received 14× platinum certification from the RIAA. Her second studio album, Hopeless Fountain Kingdom (2017), showcased a more radio-friendly sound, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200. The singles “Now or Never” and “Bad at Love” both reached the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100, with the latter peaking in the top five. Her 2018 single “Eastside,” a collaboration with Benny Blanco and Khalid, further cemented her status, peaking within the top ten.

Halsey’s third studio album, Manic (2020), became her best-selling album worldwide. The lead single, “Without Me,” topped the Billboard Hot 100, received diamond certification, and remains her most commercially successful song as a lead artist. Her fourth album, If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power (2021), marked a departure from her previous sound, embracing a darker, industrial tone. Produced by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross of Nine Inch Nails, the album received critical acclaim and was described by Halsey as “the album [she] always wanted to make.” In 2023, she parted ways with Capitol Records following a controversy over the release of her non-album single, “So Good.”

Beyond her music career, Halsey is an advocate for suicide prevention awareness, sexual assault victim advocacy, and racial justice. Her personal struggles, including a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and periods of homelessness, have profoundly influenced her music. Halsey’s early life was marked by frequent moves due to her parents’ various jobs, and she has been open about the challenges she faced, including bullying and a suicide attempt at 17.

Musically, Halsey draws inspiration from a diverse range of artists, including Alanis Morissette, The Notorious B.I.G., Matty Healy, Lady Gaga, and Taylor Swift. She credits Dolores O’Riordan of The Cranberries as her major vocal influence. Her music spans various genres, including pop, electropop, synth-pop, alternative pop, and R&B. Known for her “indie” singing style, Halsey’s work often explores personal experiences and relationships, including her bisexuality.

Halsey’s influence extends beyond music, with a presence in cinema and a style that has reshaped the pop genre’s landscape. Her contributions to music and her advocacy work continue to resonate with fans worldwide, solidifying her as a significant figure in contemporary culture.