About

Hayley Nicole

From the Background to Center Stage

Throughout the course of her musical career, Hayley Nicole has won over the hearts of music lovers from all walks of life. Her journey began in the quiet, rural landscape of Harwood, Maryland, where her life was altered completely after discovering a profound love for music as a young girl.

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At age seven, Hayley began performing with her elementary school chorus, and at age eight, she began taking lessons in both piano and guitar.

These formative years were defined by a relentless passion for performance. Whether it was local talent shows, karaoke nights, or stepping onto the field to sing the national anthem at local baseball games, Hayley embraced every opportunity to share her love of music. She started her own YouTube channel shortly after, and began sharing covers and original music at age fourteen.

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During her freshman year of high school, Hayley won first place in her high school's talent show and achieved the rare feat of being cast in a lead role for a production called "Rock and Soul," an accomplishment virtually unheard of for a first-year student.​

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Throughout these milestones, her parents and older sister served as her steadfast support system. They were the bedrock of her early career, urging her to continue honing her craft even when she faced the inevitable doubts that come with a life in the arts.

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Today, Hayley is a fixture in the local music scene of Annapolis, Maryland, where she regularly performs acoustic sets blending elements of folk, indie, alternative, and pop music, drawing inspiration from iconic artists like Taylor Swift, Phoebe Bridgers, Lizzy McAlpine, and Joni Mitchell.

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While she is known for her soulful acoustic performances, she also possesses high-energy versatility through experience performing rock, punk, and metal music live. To further refine her craft, she has pursued formal studies in jazz performance, focusing on advanced voice and piano techniques. 

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The year 2025 marked a profound turning point in Hayley's life and her career.

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In May 2025, Hayley was named a top-five finalist in iHeartRadio's "Next Music Start" competition, a milestone that was featured in local news outlets such as Severna Park Voice and The BayNet, and showcased her talent to a national audience.

On December 21, 2025, Hayley's father passed away after a long, grueling battle with cancer.

The very same day, Hayley honored his legacy and constant encouragement by taking the stage for her college's "Christmas On Broadway" production. Directed by Douglas Brandt Byerly, the show centered on New York City, but Hayley brought a unique Nashville flair to the stage. She performed "Mary, Did You Know?" in the style of Carrie Underwood and "I'll Be Home for Christmas" in the style of Dolly Parton.

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Her rendition of "I'll Be Home for Christmas" struck a universal chord, going viral on TikTok with over 350,000 views and over 80,000 likes as listeners everywhere connected with the pain and heartbreak of grief during the holidays. 

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Beyond the spotlight, Hayley is a dedicated educator, having served as a music instructor for several music programs since 2022, where she takes pride in mentoring vocalists and instrumentalists of all ages to help them find their own creative voices.

In 2026, her father's memory and the continued support from her family and friends remain her driving force as she looks toward a future as a touring artist. When she isn't in the studio or on stage, she finds her greatest comfort spending time with her family and her two beloved orange cats, Pete and Hayes.

Hayley is currently working on new music following her debut single "Do You Miss Me?" released in February 2023, and strives to continue creating art that people can personalize with and relate to. 

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You can follow up on Hayley's latest videos, upcoming performances, and announcements below!