Halle Bailey’s Advice From Beyoncé and Reflections at 14
At the age of 14, Halle Bailey and her older sister, Chlöe Bailey, were living in Los Angeles and already on their way to realizing their dreams. Two years earlier, they had started a YouTube channel, and their cover of Beyoncé's "Pretty Hurts" went viral in 2013, bringing them unexpected fame. The talented sisters, hailing from Atlanta, found themselves with a rare opportunity to turn their momentary popularity into lasting careers. Soon after, they signed with Parkwood Entertainment, Beyoncé's management company, and joined her Formation World Tour as opening acts.
Halle, now 23, reflects on those early days, recalling the excitement of traveling the world while pursuing her education through homeschooling on the road. Despite the intensity of the lifestyle, she loved the experience of being on tour and felt grateful for the opportunity.
As the duo Chloe x Halle, they released two studio albums, received five Grammy nominations, and continued touring under Beyoncé's guidance. They also ventured into television, landing roles together on the black-ish spin-off series grown-ish, portraying Jazz and Sky Forster. While Chloe and Halle pursue solo projects, they remain a united front, supporting each other's ambitions. Chloe released her debut solo album, "In Pieces," in March, while Halle secured her first lead role in a feature film, playing Ariel in Disney's live-action adaptation of "The Little Mermaid," released on May 26. Halle becomes only the second Black Disney princess, following Tiana from "The Princess and the Frog" in 2009.
The official trailer for The Little Mermaid with Halle Bailey
This future is beyond what Halle could have imagined as a 14-year-old. Reflecting on her younger self, she believes that her teenage self would be incredibly proud and perhaps even disbelieving that she is portraying one of her all-time favorite characters. The journey from then to now has been remarkable. Halle expresses gratitude for her achievements and recalls the advice Beyoncé gave her at the age of 14.
How were you feeling about the prospect of fame in 2014, just as you were starting out?
The goal was to be able to pursue my love of music and do what I love for a living, [even if it was] at a club in Atlanta on the smallest of scales. As long as I was fulfilling that need, then I was OK without having fame or anything. I think after fame comes, it’s like, “Wow, this is interesting and honestly overwhelming,” but that was never the goal.
Aside from acting and music, what were your hobbies at 14?
Playing the guitar, doing yoga. I started making jewelry when I was around that age. I love making jewelry out of these crystal beads. I like things that allow me to sit in my solitude and just have moments of quiet — so making things, whether it’s a song or jewelry, allowed me to do that and just be one with myself.
What shows and movies were you watching?
I am a sucker for reality television, I always have been. I love all of the Housewives, I love all of the divorce courts, paternity courts, Maury, Jerry Springer, all of them. I would definitely be watching those as guilty pleasure TV.
Did you have a dream role at 14?
I’ve always wanted to incorporate music and singing into my acting, because music is my first love and singing is what I love to do, so Broadway was something that I thought maybe one day I’d do — and who knows, maybe I’ll still do that in the future.
“Kiss the Girl” is such a pivotal moment in The Little Mermaid. How were you feeling about love and kissing at 14?
I’ve always been such a romantic person, and so I’d be on the tour bus imagining, “Oh, what will my first kiss be like?” Because I think I had my first kiss when I was like 16. It was a lot of daydreaming and the beginning of puppy love feelings.
Did it live up to your expectations?
Oh yeah, absolutely. [Laughs.]
Who was your biggest celebrity crush?
Ooh, I think Bruno Mars was my top one, especially when I was 14. I was obsessed with him when he came out with “Grenade” and his [Doo-Wops &] Hooligans album. I just thought he was so... He still is amazing.
What was your relationship like with social media at the time?
I remember we got our first 1,000 views on a video, and it was like, “Wow, that’s amazing.” And we had 10 comments, and I remember we read the comments for the first time. At first, comments used to matter a lot to us. And then, as you get older, you realize there’s going to be a lot of opinions. If you just release into the world what you love and what makes you happy, and if you feel proud of yourself, that’s good. If people like it, they like it. If they don’t, that’s alright too.
What advice did Beyoncé give you at the time that you’ve held on to?
While she was backstage getting ready, she would have somebody record our opening set and then review the set after and give us tips and tricks. Just really encouraging us how to get better and better each show — that was something that my sister and I really enjoyed.
What advice would you give your 14-year-old self?
To be more sure of yourself. You are worthy. You are strong. You can and you will. And don’t be scared. I know it’s easy to be scared of the future and shy and nervous and overwhelmed about what your life may be like in a few years, but just know that you’re going to be more than OK, and I’m proud of you.
