My life as a (Background) Singer

I love my friends.. and the Tour is almost over!!! and Merry Christmas ;)

2011-12-08T10:34:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, my friends from LA came to London to visit me! After being on the road for over 3 months, you can imagine how refreshing it was to see some friendly familiar faces :)

Dear Erin and Melissa, you beautiful amazing girls made my week! I am so happy you came to see me... and Rhianna ;) I have so many memories from your trip and I still laugh every time I think of the "razzle" lolol I love you both so much, thank you again for coming, I hope you had as much fun as I did. I can't wait to see you again for Christmas!! yay!!

I hope you enjoy the photos I've put up, especially the creepy one of you guys in the subway! lol

On a Tour note, we officially have TEN shows left! I can't believe its almost over, what a crazy year this has been. I know this is annoying and I say it too much, but I am SO thankful for this incredible job. I must be the luckiest girl in the world. I've grown so much and seen places I never imagined I would see, and to be honest, some places I've never even heard of.. :)
our last show is in London on December 22nd and I can't think of a better way to end this year.

And on a personal note, I just want to thank everyone who has recognized my Christmas album. I know that in Utah, where its mostly being promoted, a lot of people are excited about it and have been supporting it. Since that is my hometown, I just have to say how proud I am to be from Salt Lake! You guys are so loyal, supportive and awesome :) I'll be home for Christmas!!!
And thanks to everyone else around the world who has been helping to spread the word. Here's another link in case you haven't downloaded it yet...

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!! :) xoxo

Official Christmas Album release today!!

2011-12-01T04:25:00.000-08:00

The countdown is over and my album, 'Tis the Season is here! Available on iTunes.
I just have to say again, THANK YOU to everyone who has been supporting me the last year or so, with this blog and Facebook etc. It means the world to me and I truly hope you enjoy your Holidays this year!!
Please go to iTunes and check out my gift to you!!

much love,
Nicole

Let the Countdown begin...

2011-11-26T05:21:00.000-08:00

5 Days until I release my very first Christmas album 'Tis the Season, on iTunes!! I'm so excited I can hardly stand it :) Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone I am officially an annoying, over the top, in love with Christmas person! lol

Going to see Arthurs Christmas movie in 3D today as per my moms request, she said her and my dad were cracking up the whole time! I wish I could have watched it with them, but I can't think of a better way to spend my day off :)

Thank you all for your support. The release of my single Christmas Crush went very well. Thanks to everyone who purchased it and took the time to comment on Facebook/iTunes etc.. That really meant a lot to me and I'm so happy you enjoyed it. I can't wait for you all to hear the entire album! Get it on iTunes December 1st.

Happy Holidays everyone!!!
xoxo

Me

Greetings from Denmark, and a favor..

2011-10-30T00:57:00.000-07:00

Hello people! I am sitting in a beautiful dressing room in the cutest little town in Denmark. Of all the incredibly fashion frenzy cities I’ve been to so far, (Paris, London..) I randomly decided to go on a shopping spree here in Herning. Lol so funny. Got some good stuff tho.

I recently started missing home a little bit so I thought I would write about that a little.. The holidays are coming around and I’m so far away from everyone I usually celebrate with. Last year, me and Jenn threw an amazing Halloween party. It was pretty much epic.. ;) We shopped for days for costumes and finally settled on Queens. A red Queen and a Black Queen, with crowns and Scepters. We hit EVERY costume store from Hollywood to Pasadena looking for those damn Scepters.. but they were soooo worth it.. lolol

This year I will be in Sweden for Halloween..

And I know this is random, but after being on the road for a while I’ve learned that you are never too old to miss your mommy. Wow. Mom, if you’re reading this, I LOVE YOU and miss you sooooo much. Can’t wait for Christmas!!

I also want to take a moment in this post to wish my very dear friend Janelle a Happy Birthday! It was a big one and I feel terrible that I wasn’t there to celebrate with you. I adore you. Thank you for being such a light in my life. I don’t know what I would do without you. When I come back to Utah, I’m kidnapping you and we are gonna catch up on this year and have a proper Bday celebration snoop doggy dog style ;) Love you Nelly…xo

On another note, I’d like to thank everyone who has purchased my single “Christmas Crush”. If you haven't already, there is a link below!

As you can probably tell, the holidays mean a lot to me, and so does this song. I had so much fun recording it and am so proud that its finished and I’m able to share it with everyone this year. I was hoping to get some feedback for the song, so please feel free to leave a comment on iTunes for me!

Thanks again to everyone who reads this silly little blog of mine and continues to support me. There are many good things in the works, so stay tuned in!

Xoxo

What I did on my Tour break..

2011-10-20T16:47:00.000-07:00

We recently had some time off from the LOUD Tour. 3 weeks to be exact, and during that time, I recorded a few Christmas songs! lol It was awesome! For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to make my own Holiday record. Christmas is my FAVORITE holiday and I'm obsessed with the season's music :)

As soon as I found out I had that time off, I booked myself into the studio and seriously didn't leave except to pack for the rest of the year, the day before my flight! (which was super stressful, won't be doing that again..lol)

I was able to co-write a couple of songs along with some incredible songwriters, Sven Martin, Lene Dissing and Todd Wright.
It was great to be surrounded my such talented people and have them all be as excited as I am about Christmas! :)

The Single is called "Christmas Crush" and it is available now on iTunes
Check it out and let me be the first to wish you a Merry Christmas! :)

xoxo

Me

LAND OF POTTER..

2011-10-10T08:15:00.000-07:00

Long time no see! I know I know, I suck...
I am so new to touring that I've been struggling to manage my time on the road. We are eight shows in and I think maybe I've got the hang of it now.?.? We'll see.
In Glasgow today but just came from Manchester. We had a day off there and it was lovely! We walked around in the rain and experienced the outdoor food festivals. Our hotel was great, besides the spa, where the skin was properly waxed off my eyebrow :( ouch!! Think I'll stick to tweezing from now on..
I also spotted the boys from Naughty by Nature!! omg whatta throwback :) They were performing right across the street from our hotel and we got to chill with them for a bit before they left. Nicest guys ever! I'm totally down with OPP!! hahaha

I'm having a blast! Learning a lot and still can't believe that I get to perform for thousands of people every night. Complete Dream Come True.

I'll update soon!

xoxo
Nicole

European Festivals 2011!

2011-08-29T15:00:00.000-07:00

Last week, we spent 10 days in Europe doing a music festival run. It was my first time going to a festival ever so I was super excited. And to be there as a performer was even more amazing!

We started off in Helsinki, Finland at the Beach Festival. It was so cool to see the beach from the stage, however, it was a bit cold and I was shocked to see people in the water during the show. omg.
The next day we flew to Bergen, Norway. OK most beautiful place I've ever been!! I had no idea what to expect because I never thought I would ever end up there, but I am hoping I get a chance to go back there someday :)

A few of us walked up this gigantic mountain and got the best view (photos below) We performed two nights in Bergen and I was happy for the extra day there. Santigold was our opening act, I love her music!

Our next stop was Birmingham for the first day of V Festival!!! Seriously can't explain how much fun I had there. Not only were we opening up for the incredible Eminem, but there were also a couple of my favorite bands performing on site, I hopped in a shuttle and was able to catch some awesome shows like HURTS (look em up!) from the UK. Seriously Love Them. :)

During the 2nd V Fest show in Chelmsford, we performed for what seemed like Billions of people. At one point I look out into the crowd and couldn't see where the people ended. It was unreal, I got chills :) CHECK OUT THE CHEERS VIDEO BELOW and you'll see what I mean. Freaking amazing crowd!
Back in LA now and preparing for Rih's European tour... YAY!
Stay tuned :)
xo

Mom and Dad meet Rih! :)

2011-07-15T09:34:00.000-07:00

I was fortunate enough to have most of my sweet family come to see the show last week in Anaheim. I was escorting 14 Kehl's around backstage! it was madness... lol
My parents had seats on the front row! and the rest of my fam was split up on either side of the stage. So I was completely surrounded by them! It was amazing to look out into that crowd and see them. I really needed that and I'm so thankful they were all able to make the trip to come support me.

As always, I am so freaking blessed :)

Life on the road is crazy! I mostly see the inside of the tour bus ;) but on my days off I try to explore and see the cities. Best city I've been so far is Vancouver, I think its because I ate the best meal of my life there, at the Italian Kitchen. Seriously go there if you get the chance and order the Spaghetti with spicy kobe meatballs! YUMMMMMMY!
http://www.theitaliankitchen.ca/index.html
It was also really fun just walking around there and everything was really close. Great times!

The US leg of this tour is almost over :( It went by so fast, I can't believe it! But I am looking forward to Europe.. yeeeeeaaaaahhh baby!

Birthday Glee :)

2011-06-18T16:31:00.000-07:00

**I'm still on the road and its been craaaazy busy!! but so awesome. I get to make a pit stop in LA soon and cant wait to see home for a minute. I'm learning so much on this tour and I am so thankful for this amazing opportunity to sing with Rhi. She's one beautiful, talented young lady and I am blessed to be on stage with her every night!
more road stories to come :)

I know this is a few weeks old but I was going through my iphoto and saw these and wanted to share :)

My friend Jenn had a birthday recently and a few of us spent a couple of days together to celebrate. While we were having a birthday breakfast, Jonathan mentioned he had a few tickets to the Glee concert downtown. Since there wasn't enough for everyone, I volunteered to stay home.. But then suddenly we were all in Jenns car headed to the Staples Center..hmmm lol Thankfully, sweet Jonathan worked his magic and got me in, thanks boo :)
We all had the best time, the concert was super entertaining! and I did my best to not point out the obvious lip synching.. lol
Afterwards, we went to VIP cause thats how we do it! and got to chill with the cast for a little while. Jenn thinks I was a little too friendly with the Cory guy but whatever! lol It was fun, and topped of Jenn's bday weekend extravaganza!!! wooohooo!
Enjoy.

Hello and some news! :)

2011-05-31T20:11:00.000-07:00

Donetsk, Ukraine

2011-05-17T10:18:00.000-07:00

Incredible! We performed for a stadium of people, I think someone said it holds 50,000!! It was a rush for sure. I was so excited to see Ukraine for the first time. Ever since I started working for Lena Katina, I've been kind of curious and interested about eastern Europe :)
It was WAY too short of a trip but what I saw was really cool. Our hotel was beautiful and we shared it with Mila Jovovich, OMG she's so beautiful!!

After the show, we flew home on a private G4... First time flying around like a star, felt pretty nice ;)
I'm So happy! and So extra thankful for all of my blessings and especially for the safe travels.

Please enjoy my first vlog with Shayna AND a video from the Ukraine show.

xoxo

Working hard

2011-05-10T22:40:00.000-07:00

Seriously, production rehearsals for the LOUD tour have taken over my life! :) in a good way of course.
I have neglected my precious blog and I wanted to drop a line and let everyone know I'll be back in Blog-Business ASAP!

Recently went to London and Hamburg for the first time and I believe they are 2 of the most beautiful cities I've seen... so far :)

In London, we were able to visit Battersea Power Station, which is an incredible building. And was used as the cover of Pink Floyd's album Animals.. Awesome!!!
I can't wait to go back to Europe :)

American Idol Performance

2011-04-15T13:35:00.000-07:00

Had so much fun last night with Rih and the MadHouse at Idol. How funny is it that I auditioned for this damn show 4 times and finally got on! LOL I really didn't see this coming :)

My Mom and I had a talk a couple weeks ago when I was in Utah and she reminded me of my American Idol dream. I remember thinking that there was nothing better or bigger than this show for me as a singer and when the judges told me 'No' I was devastated. For awhile I felt so bad and didn't think there would be anything else for me to do in this business, I basically almost gave up on myself (dramatic, I know). And now, I'm singing with one of the most successful Artists and finally got to perform on a stage I never thought I would be on.

Something to think about when you don't get what you want or THINK you want: Your life is happening exactly how it is meant to happen. Just when you think you've lost the most important thing to you, something a million times better comes along. So just be patient, positive and believe.

...Life is CRAZY. I am BLESSED...

.ASK NICOLE.

2011-04-13T23:15:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to take a minute and say hi to you guys. I appreciate all the views and interest in this lil blog I do :)
I was really hoping to make it helpful as well as entertaining so, I've created an "ask Nicole" link
Please feel free to submit your questions there. I'm happy to share what information I know about the Biz so far and what it's been like to be a Singer in LA :)
All you have to do is click the sparkly question mark on the top, right side of the page, and I will answer them here on the blog.

Thanks again for all the love!!
xoxo
Nicole

LOVE on your People today...

2011-04-08T17:04:00.000-07:00

Last week I went home to visit my family and friends in Utah and wanted to share a few thoughts and express how THANKFUL I am for all of them!

So many incredible things have happened for me over the past two years, both in my career and in my personal life. I feel like I've spent so much time praying, wishing, hoping and chasing my dreams out here in LA that I haven't actually taken the time to sit back and look at all I have accomplished. I've also neglected to properly appreciate the people in my life who truly deserve it. Please forgive me for being cheesy for a minute but I have to thank my Mommy and Daddy for supporting and believing in me, you have NO idea how hard these last five years would have been without you. My eight brothers and sisters who, no matter how long it's been since we saw or spoke to one another, will drop everything they are doing to meet me for lunch when I'm in town :) Or my close and dear friends who will let me vent anytime I want and not ever pass judgement, or give me a haircut when I need one, pass along a inspirational book, give me a much needed make-up tip, or simply just remind me how loved I am when I feel alone. (You all know who you are and I love you SO much its unreal.)

Basically, what I'm saying is that if you are embarking on a challenging path or event in your life, take the time to acknowledge your "folks". It changes everything and makes such a difference. I am so grateful for the things that have happened in life that remind me who my people really are and how much I need them. I'm lucky to have so many, but even if I only had one, I'd still be the luckiest girl in the WORLD!!

Much Love my Loves!
xoxoxxxx

...ACM Awards in Vegas...

2011-04-04T10:43:00.000-07:00

I had a great time in Las Vegas with the MadHouse and Sugarland. It was so cool to see how different the Country Music scene is. The vibe was SOOOO laid back and everyone was really nice, I loved it! And these folks can sAng! omg I was so impressed and inspired, I'm a total Miranda Lambert fan now :) I met Steel Magnolia backstage and they are adorable! And I somehow ended up in Eric Church's band dressing room.. hmmm. lol they were hilarious.

Our performance was so much fun, it was amazing to have both bands on stage playing together. I also heard that Rihanna is the FIRST black woman to ever perform on any Country Music Award show, so I guess I was kinda part of history last night!!! So cool :)

I'm still overwhelmed sometimes when I think about all of the incredible opportunities I've had this year in just a short amount of time. I am truly blessed and so thankful.

Please enjoy the video. "California King Bed" is such a beautiful song and it was an honor to perform it with these two incredible ladies. xo.

Hawaiian Vacation

2011-03-31T23:10:00.000-07:00

Ahhh Hawaii, how I miss your clean air, and stress free environment :)
I recently took a vacation with my dear friend Jenn to celebrate her graduation from college (congratulations Jenn!!!) and my new job :)
Since I'll be gone for the rest of the year, I also thought it would be nice to spend some extra time with her before I go. (We're kinda married... lol)
We had such a good time, it was beautiful and I met some really cool people. We hiked to a waterfall and got eaten alive by mosquitoes. We went to an authentic Luau and I ate my weight in Mac Salad.. mmmmm Mac Salad. It's so amazing.
We beached it almost everyday and I've never been so relaxed in my life. I swam in the ocean and got ALL my hair wet, yes black ladies, you heard me. I'm not saying it was pretty, I'm just saying i got it wet :)
I saw a rainbow.. And I did some really deep thinking, ask Jenn. lol

I'm home again and finally over my Australian jet lag..Phew! whatta pain that was..
Today was our first rehearsal back and everyone sounded great! I'm happy to say that the MadHouse is starting to feel like home. I truly appreciate how loving and supportive they are, good folks..xo..

Anyway, gearing up for the ACM Award show this Sunday in Vegas. Watch for Rih singing California King Bed with Sugarland, it's gonna be dope!

2011-03-10T23:23:00.000-08:00

Finally some Australia pics! I really haven't been able to take as many photos as I had hoped but its all good. In the meantime, I've been able to see most of this incredible country, perform with a superstar every night AND learn how to pack my life into a suitcase every other day in under 20 minutes! AHH Soben would be so proud :)
The shows have been amazing and I feel like they just get better and better. Special thanks to my dear friends Nada and Khan for coming to the show and hanging out after. Also to Elska and Hubby:) who came to the very FIRST show in Brisbane! I love you guys and Im so thankful I was able to see you again! xoxo

Im having a blast here and I cant believe we only have one more show in Australia :(

On another note, I just want to shout out and thank my beautiful friend Jen Kent, for helping me with this blog. Love you. I got your back on JT gurl ;) lol

Steve Perry is in the building...

2011-02-23T17:59:00.000-08:00

Can I just say that joining the MadHouse has been incredible!? Seriously, when it comes to male vocalists, my top two all time favorites are Michael Jackson (R.I.P.) and Steve Perry. Turns out that Nuno is friends with this Legend, no big deal. So he invited him to one of our rehearsals last week. I really thought I was gonna freak out when I saw him in person, but thanks to a "pep-talk" from Nuno, I was able to keep it together :) lol
He was lovely and so down to earth, I'm so thankful for the opportunity I had to meet him and hopefully, I'll run into him again! So many wonderful things have been happening to me lately and I feel so blessed! I am truly, overwhelmingly thankful for my life and blessings that seem to be granted daily... These last few months have been a dream come true.

One of my favorite Steve Perry songs is called "You Better Wait" I put it on my Playlist below, have a listen! :)
xoxo

NBA All Star Halftime Show and Rihanna's Bday

2011-02-23T12:17:00.000-08:00

Yet another exciting performance with Rihanna this last Sunday! NBA All Star show was awesome, we all had so much fun!!! Especially Nuno.. ;) hahahaha
After the show, we all went to Rhi's Bday party.. ok I've never had so much FUN! there was Jamaican food everywhere, Sprinkles cupcakes, and a full on candy stand! if you know me at all then you know I cared more about the sweets than the all the Super stars surrounding me all night :) However, I did freak out a little bit when I saw Beyonce and Jay walk in.. wow.
The next day we all flew to Australia. I am in Brisbane now and its 6am... tried SOOO hard to stay awake until at least 10pm to beat the jet lag, but my tired ass fell asleep at 730pm and woke up at 430am.. hmmm.
Anyway, here's the video from Sunday in case you missed the show.

Grammy's Baby!!!!

2011-02-15T09:49:00.000-08:00

K but seriously, how did I end up performing at the Grammy Awards this year!?!? Im still kind of freaking out a little bit. I remember when I moved to LA five years ago, I wanted to go to the show SOOOOO bad, even if I was just a seat filler or something. lol. And now I can say forever that my first trip to the Grammy's was as a Performer! wow. Such and amazing night and a total DREAM come TRUE. I am so blessed to be part of such an awesome team and work for such a beautiful, talented young lady :) You were great Rhi!!!
I couldn't believe how much love and support I received on this day. Since the show was only live on the East coast, I was able to hear responses from my loved ones there first in the form of texts and FB posts. two hours later, hella Utah folks hit me up (love you guys!!!!) and finally I was able to watch for myself here in LA and I was beyond excited! screaming at the TV from my table at the Cheescake Factory :) lolol It seemed like every person on the Planet who knew me, saw me on TV that night. I just want to thank everyone who took the time to write me a message on Facebook or sent a text or even called. It meant the world to me and I love you all so much. This is just the first of many Performances with sweet Rhi, so stay tuned... NBA All Star Halftime show next week.. ummmm YAY.
xoxoxo

Happiest girl in the world,
Nicole

Lena Katina - All The Things She Said - Live @1015 Folsom, San Francisco...

2011-01-27T21:40:00.000-08:00

This is from my most recent show with Lena Katina at Club 1015 Folsom in San Francisco. It was an amazing show and I had such a great time. She seriously has the best fans ever!! One faithful fan even made doll replicas of me and Nadia (Lenas other background singer). Soooo cute! I felt like a superstar :) I hope and pray that one day I'll have awesome fans of my own. Thanks for being such an inspiration Lena, good luck at your Superbowl show! yay!! :)

Welcome! This is me.

2011-01-25T18:01:00.000-08:00

If I were to write my story from the beginning, I would need a bigger blog site :) I'll start from a year or so ago and make it as short and sweet as possible.

After living in LA for a few years and pursuing music as a Solo Recording Artist, I finally hit a wall. I realized how difficult the industry really is and decided to make some more options for myself. I took a break from recording material for my album to enroll in Music school. Best idea ever, not only did it open my mind to different opportunities I could have as a Singer in this business, but it also expanded my network of peers and professionals. I enjoyed my time at school but after a year and a half of attending, I decided it was time to try my luck at making my talent work for me for a change. The music business classes I was taking really inspired me to treat myself like a business. I started looking for opportunities to sing and either get compensated or further in my career via connections and/or experience.

I took some time away from school to strictly audition. I made a vow to myself that I would go to any and every audition that had anything to do with singing or performing. I had my share of "please kill me now" moments but overall, this helped me and led me to where I am now. American Idol audition (2009) was an eye-opener and honest turning point for me. After auditioning every year for 4 years, I was determined to make this audition the best, and it was. I made it through all 5 rounds before Hollywood and was able to receive some one on one life changing advice from Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson. Don't laugh, but they both told me to take voice lessons :) They said that I was good and they wanted to say yes, but didn't believe my voice was strong enough yet. I was devastated and vowed to quit singing forever. Then I realized, maybe a voice lesson or two wouldn't hurt? I mean, I had made it this far without any training. So I called Linda Tomkinson, a referral form a friend in Utah and began private training over Skype. I've been with her ever since and my voice is stronger than ever, makes me wish I had thought of this from the beginning, but thanks Simon and Randy! xo

Back before I enrolled in music school, I spent 3 months in Europe singing background for Sisqo (former lead singer of Dru Hill and famous for the his hit single 'The Thong Song'). That opportunity came to me as a coincidence and blessing. It was my first time singing for someone else and I enjoyed the experience more than I thought I would. Performing with him was awesome. When I returned back to the states, I made one of my goals to become a professional background singer. I thought it would be a great way to sing, travel, and make money. All the while, working on myself as a Solo Artist.

I truly believe in good energy and things happening for a reason. Less than a year ago, my background singing aspirations have come into place. My auditioning jitters have vanished and I have been able to book work. yay! :)

I am just starting a new chapter in my life, I am beyond excited and happy to share my experiences as I travel, perform and live my dream! Please Join me as I share my life as a Background Singer.

~Nicole

*I am currently singing for Lena Katina formerly of the Russian pop duo t.A.T.u. and have loved becoming a part of the family, love you guys! Thanks for giving me a chance and letting me sing along with the beautiful, talented Lena xo