We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brielle Von Hugel. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brielle below.

Hi Brielle, thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

As soon as I performed in front of a live audience! I can remember as far back to the age of 4 in dancing school, just getting this overwhelming feeling of comfortability on stage. I never wanted to leave it! I felt most at peace when I was up there and as the years went by, I did everything I could to be entertaining as often as possible- with dreams of it one day being my career. At the age of 9 is when I first began seriously booking jobs.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I was born and raised in Staten Island, NYC. My first steps into the industry were modeling as a child for my mother’s clothing line and competing with my local dancing school. I always loved performing at a young age and my mom was super supportive of my dreams of being a popstar. She helped me get my voice out there in any way I could. From fundraisers, to singing the national anthem at school functions and baseball games, karaoke night at neighborhood restaurants, talent shows and pageants too! At 16, I auditioned for American Idol and went on to become one of the Top 12 girls of Season 11.
After the show, I began writing and recording original music and covers with my studio family at ET Studio Productions in SI. I started to perform all over NYC and NJ every chance I could. I really live for live performance! Over the years, I’ve worked with multiple wedding bands, soul bands, sang for various organizations such as March of Dimes, Michael’s Cause, TEAL Walk and have sung our national anthem at Yankee Stadium, Citi Field and Madison Square Garden. In late 2015, I met Scott Bradlee of Postmodern Jukebox and later went on to record videos with his incredible collection that have amassed over 10 million views and I have toured over 25 countries with the band! I currently perform in residence in Atlantic City, NJ and continue to release music regularly.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Resilience is one of my favorite words- I’ve actually debated on getting it tattooed! Haha. For one, choosing to be in the music industry is hard enough but voluntarily auditioning for a national television show is another thing. WHEW! I used to CRINGE when anyone would ask me about the show or bring it up. To be honest, I don’t talk about this much- but I lived a life before the show and I’m living so much after. When you are so consumed by what you think others want you to be or what you think others want to hear, you start to forget who you are as a person. You are not one thing. I am not just the “American Idol girl”. I was super young when I was on the show and basically missed out on 2+ years of high school. Those are vital years of growth for any teenager. I know now that my life and career path will always be different than most but at the time, I was battling many mental challenges after the show. I started to believe everyone. Maybe that was it for me? Do they know I was singing way before I auditioned? Do they know anything besides what the editors decided to show 4 minutes of? So many news articles were written with false information about me, blogs were started and writing horrible things about my mom and I. I lost friends, I lost my later teen years and feel I was forced into becoming a woman sooner than I needed to. For myself. I feel I was and stay resilient in not letting the outside chatter get to me and my truth, I was born to do what I do and I will stick to my own promise. I never stopped when I could have, I have my small circle of amazing support that gets me through and keeps me going.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

It’s simple. Getting to do what I love most for a living. Some people search their entire lives to find that one thing that feeds their soul and really ignites the fire inside of them. I’m blessed to have found that at such a young age. It’s magic. I use my voice to help others heal, make them smile, make their day better or remind them that everything will be okay. There is no better universal language than music. I feel so lucky.

Contact Info:

• Website: briellevonhugel.com
• Instagram: @briellevonhugel
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/briellevonhugel
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/briellevonhugel

Image Credits
Jenny Anderson Isabella Porto Taylor Fickes