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In the serene backdrop of Redwater, Texas, Hailey Wright has cultivated her passion for music, blending the whispers of classic country with contemporary influences.
With a voice that carries the richness of her heritage and a heart shaped by both struggle and resilience, Hailey made a positive impact on the coaches in her blind audition on this season’s The Voice. Her journey hasn’t been without its challenges, characterized by personal battles with bullying and the pursuit of self-identity that led her to embrace her Choctaw roots. But through it all, her love for music has remained a steadfast companion.
Hailey’s audition served as a powerful testament to her unwavering dedication to her craft. While she cherishes classic icons like Loretta Lynn and Johnny Cash, her musical palate spans genres, reflecting a deep appreciation for the art in all its forms. As she navigates her way through the competition, Hailey is not just singing to win; she’s reaching for a dream that stretches beyond the stage — a dream rooted in connection, inspiration, and the hope of one day performing at the Grand Ole Opry. In this exclusive interview, Hailey opens up about her influences, her enriching journey of self-discovery, and her vision for the future as a rising star in the country music landscape.
A Quiet Town With Big Dreams
In this intimate interview, we delve into the life and experiences of a musician whose heart is deeply rooted in both family and community. Hailey reflects on her upbringing in the tranquil town of Redwater and the profound influence music has played throughout her life.
“Redwater was definitely quiet and peaceful,” says Hailey. “For me, personally, it gives the feeling of living in the country with the convenience of a bigger city just 15 miles or so away.”
The Soundtrack of Her Life
Her passion for music shines through as she recounts the artists that have shaped her identity.
“I have so many musical influences,” continues Hailey. “When my Mom brought me home from the hospital, I wouldn’t sleep without classic country playing at night. As a child, I didn’t get up on Saturday mornings and watch cartoons like kids typically do. Instead, I collected old VHS tapes of Elvis movies, and that was my go-to! When I started kindergarten, my teacher introduced me to classical music like Beethoven, Bach, and such. I guess you could say I have always had a deep passion and love for music and feel that I connect to it. I listen to all genres, and my playlist of music is all over the place with classical music, rap, hip hop, grunge, rock, and country! Classic country is definitely what I connect most with. Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, Conway Twitty, George Jones, Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, June Carter, and I could go on for days and days about all of my favorites! I feel each artist, regardless of the genre, brings something unique and different to the table.”
A Unique Audition Experience
As she discusses her experience auditioning for The Voice, her enthusiasm for the competition is palpable. She reveals a special connection to one of her favorite songs, hinting at the personal touches she brings to her performances.
“My audition process with The Voice was great! NBC’s The Voice staff is absolutely top-notch! Freddy Fender is one of my favorites. My only regret is being limited on time and not being able to include the Spanish part of the song! I normally perform the song with both English and Spanish lyrics.”
Embracing Heritage: A Choctaw Journey
The newfound connection to her heritage as a member of the Choctaw Nation has been transformative, enriching her identity and her understanding of family.
“In 2020, when Covid hit and everyone was stuck at home, my Mom actually was tracing her family. I asked if she could trace my biological father’s family since he had been absent from my life, and I knew nothing about his roots. It was just a matter of minutes into searching my biological father’s father’s family that we found my great grandmother Rosie Williston, born 1928 and died 1990 and was registered Choctaw by blood! I buried myself into research at that point and truly embraced the Choctaw culture. You know, I remember being maybe 5 or 6 yrs old and painting my entire body with some bottles of white out I had found. When my Mom asked, ‘Hailey, why on earth did you do that?’ My response was, ‘I just wanted to fit in with my family and look like my sisters and you.’ I haven’t cut my hair in almost five years because of my Choctaw culture. I have taught myself how to speak some Choctaw as well as sing in Choctaw, and my sister, Krista, and I go every year to the powwow in Durant, Oklahoma, now! It’s nice to understand that there is another side to who I am.”
The Art of Songwriting
Turning to her creativity, she expresses how natural and effortless songwriting comes to her, highlighting the emotional depths that inspire her craft. Her sensitivity to both personal and others’ experiences adds an intriguing dimension to her work.
“Songwriting is easy for me personally. It’s just adding music to your feelings. Sometimes, I write about my own feelings and sometimes I write about someone else’s life and how I think they might feel.”
Resilience Through Adversity
Reflecting on her formative years, Hailey candidly speaks about her struggles with bullying and how homeschooling became her safe haven. This experience has shaped her resilience and determination in both life and music.
“My Mom and Dad moved to Redwater when my oldest sister was four years old. Mom researched schools and wanted to plant roots to raise us girls. Both my sisters graduated from Redwater, but I didn’t. I experienced extreme bullying issues. Mom removed me three different times from Redwater because of being bullied. Homeschooling ended up being the best option for me.”
Balancing Tradition and Modernity
Hailey then addresses the challenge of melding traditional and contemporary country music, drawing inspiration from well-known artists who manage to bridge the gap. Her dedication to her craft is evident as she navigates these musical waters.
“Balancing both traditional country music with contemporary country music can be a challenge, but it can be done! While I try to stick to more traditional music, many people listen to that more modern sound. I take some influence when it comes to blending styles from artists like Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson, Kacey Musgraves, and Margo Price.”
Support from Community
Despite setbacks, she expresses a sense of newfound support from her community following her appearance on The Voice, indicating her perseverance and growth as an artist.
“Unfortunately, because I was bullied and homeschooled, I think there were a lot of people from the Redwater area who were unaware of my presence until The Voice. I do feel that I have a lot of support from my community now, though!”
Chasing Dreams: The Grand Ole Opry Aspiration
Looking towards the future, Hailey’s passion for music drives her ambitions, and she emphasizes the importance of connection in her performances. Her aspiration to perform at the Grand Ole Opry reveals a dream that fuels her pursuits.
“I’m going to keep pursuing music. It truly is where I find the most peace in my life. Whether there is one person in the audience or wall to wall people, it’s about connecting in that moment through a song! My dream is to one day be able to sing at the Grand Ole Opry.”
An Inspiring Message for Fans
To conclude, Hailey shares a heartfelt message of resilience and inspiration for her fans, embodying the spirit of perseverance that has defined her journey. Her mother’s wisdom serves as a guiding principle in her pursuit of dreams.
“I hope to be an inspiration to my fans. I want my fans to know that anything is possible. You just have to keep chasing your dreams and not get discouraged enough that you quit. Like my mom has always said, we all put our pants on one leg at a time.”
The Voice Update
In a surprise move – after her Battle Round with Jaelen Johnston – coach Kelsea Ballerini saved Hailey so she could advance to the Knockouts in the competition.
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Cover photo Christine Bartolucci/NBC
Bob Valleau is a regular entertainment writer for Texas Lifestyle Magazine.
