On any given day yet another young talented vocalist takes to the internet in hopes of unveiling their talents to the world. However, it takes more than just “desire” to be worthy of that walk down the aisle to fame. Talent, personality, and creativity; it’s a formula which is obvious in theory, yet intense in practice. And for 18 year old Bad Boy/Interscope recording artist, Megan Nicole, it is a formula that will eliminate any thought of “15 minutes of fame.” This superstar-in-the-making deserves a date with destiny.
With over 1,000,000 subscribers and a combined 250 million video views, Megan Nicole’s remarkable rise to YouTube stardom started not too long ago. It was December 2009 when a fresh faced Megan first posted a Kings of Leon cover. Possessing only her guitar, she croons the significant lyrics, “I hope it’s gonna make you notice someone like me.” Fast forward to 2012, and Megan’s staying power is clear. Her cover of Bruno Mars', “The Lazy Song,” has attracted over 30 million views and boasts all the qualities of a full production. Anything but “lazy,” she diligently recreates Mars’ video- even down to the choreography-producing a combination of impressive sound and captivating visual.
A Texas native, Megan was born in Houston and raised in Katy, TX. Growing up in the 90’s she was accompanied by an array of sounds from the generation prior, including: Queen, Al Green, Stevie Wonder, and various artists from the ‘70s funk era. Her own talents began to emerge around 4th grade; she first recognized her vocal abilities while dabbling around with her family’s karaoke machine. It was also around this time when she was introduced to the piano, a skill she became proficient in, and eventually used to lead her church’s youth group. Her musical aspirations at that time, however, were few. Even opportunities to perform with her youth group were almost thwarted by her shyness.
Still, real talent can never truly be silenced. By the time Megan reached her freshman year of high school, she was determined to make more of her gifts. Adding even more of an edge to her performance, she added another instrument to her resume, becoming fluent in guitar. And after a video of her singing at a wedding generated some additional hits (it was actually intended for family sharing), her father encouraged her to begin posting cover songs.
Her fans have been true. YouTube artists have a difficult task. Their fans, conditioned to awaiting renditions of already popular songs, don’t always take well to original music. Yet, when Megan released the Kurt Schneider directed video for her song “B-e-a-utiful” in July 2011, the reception spoke for itself. With over 17 million views, the acoustic-pop single can hold its own among today’s crop of young pop performers.
Harve Pierre, president of Bad Boy, took notice. Aware of Megan Nicole’s growth, as well as potential, he arranged a meeting between the young singer and Bad Boy founder/ hip hop mogul, Sean “Diddy” Combs. Impressed, Bad Boy quickly scheduled a meeting with Jimmy Iovine, CEO of Interscope Records. All aspects of her career falling into place, Megan found a distinguished management team to represent her: Wright Entertainment Group. The company, founded by music manager Johnny Wright has dealt with some of music’s biggest names, including: New Kids on the Block, Backstreet Boys, Justin Timberlake, the Jonas Brothers, and Janet Jackson.
Now, currently prepping for her debut album, Megan anticipates the release of her own original material. She continues to record in Los Angeles alongside a host of legendary producers.
Also awaiting this promising artist’s first dance with fame, are her fans. Though, if you ask Megan, they are more than just her following…they are her inspiration.
She has already taken the web by storm. Next up: center stage.
Photo Credit: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic
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