BSCkids recently got the chance to speak with 12-year-old internet singing sensation Nicole Westbrook. She spoke with us about how she started out in the industry, who her musical inspiration is, and how supportive her friends and family are.
Nicole Westbrook is best known for her viral hit “Thanksgiving” (over 13.5 million You Tube hits). She has just released her second single “Smile” which is garnering daily attention. She has previously performed on Anderson Cooper and Access Hollywood Live.
BSCkids: Nicole Westbrooke
How long have you been singing?
I have been singing for as long as I can remember, but I started taking vocal lessons when I was 7 years old.
What made you decide to start uploading your videos to YouTube?
I went to an audition for a singing pilot where I had to sing my own song, and I got approached afterward to record a music video.
How long after you uploaded did the views start getting big?
It took about two days, and then we started trending a million views a day, which was crazy. So much more than I ever expected.
Tell us about “Thanksgiving.” What is it about?
I had already recorded the single “Smile”, and the producers of PMW had an idea of doing a “Thanksgiving Song” and they approached me to see if I was interested. It was shot at my house, with all my friends and it is about sharing the holiday as “kids” and really appreciating everything we have. We actually cooked the food and ate it during the video. The video took a long time to shoot, so we were starving.
You recently released your second single, “Smile,” what is the inspiration behind that song?
After we recorded the song, the more I heard it, the more I really liked it. We wanted to make the video fun, and totally different than the “Thanksgiving Song”. “Smile” is about a middle school crush where the girl likes a boy at school, and thinks he does not like her back. But at the end of the video, she finds out he does like her. The camera guys did some really cool things in the video with a “superimposed” heart that is a common theme throughout the video. I hope everyone checks it out.
What was meeting Anderson Cooper like? Were you nervous?
Anderson Cooper had to go to Israel at the last-minute, so Andy Cohen was the host. He is from St. Louis as well, which was great. The entire staff came on stage to sing the “Thanksgiving Song” and they were all super sweet. I was really nervous but really excited. This was my first trip to New York City. Had pizza at 2 am when we landed and a hot dog on the street later.
Who in the music industry do you look up to the most?
I would say the group, The Fray. They worked hard for a years before they made it big, Right before their careers took off, they sponsored a “Save A Life” Campaign, which was inspired by the death of one of my brother’s best friends, Colin Fahrenkamp who was driving without a seatbelt. The cause is dedicated to helping teens make good choices, like not drinking and driving, not texting and driving, staying away from drugs, etc. The good news is Colin was in great shape, and donated his organs and saved other lives.
If you could perform with anyone who would it be?
I would love to perform “Benny and the Jets” with Elton John on stage. One of my favorite movies is “27 Dresses” and that song is in the movie. I also think Elton John is great.
How supportive has your friends and family been regarding your choice to be in the music industry?
My friends mostly all go to a public performing arts school and many of them share the same dreams that I have, so they were all nice and supportive when the video went viral. They also have said they really like the song “Smile” as well. They are proud of me, as I would be if they had the same success.