At just 10 years old, North Texas singer-songwriter Reagan Nichole is already using her music to share messages of hope, faith and perseverance.

Reagan’s songwriting has earned recognition beyond her years, including a 2025 semifinalist spot in the International Songwriting Competition, where her song was selected from more than 13,000 entries. But for Reagan, songwriting isn’t simply about recognition — it’s about taking personal experiences and turning them into encouragement for others.

That message is especially meaningful in her recently released song, “Won’t Let Me Go,” which was inspired by her mother’s difficult health journey in 2023. Reagan was only 7 when her mother faced a stroke and stage 3 cancer, and the experience became the foundation for a song about fear, trust and refusing to give up. In this interview, Reagan talks about the story behind the song, what she has learned through her family’s challenges, her songwriting process and her hopes for the future singing in the Christian music genre. 

“Won’t Let Me Go” comes from a very personal experience with your mom. What was happening in your heart when you first started writing the song?

My heart was feeling all kinds of different emotions. I was seven years old at the time of my mother’s diagnosis. I felt very scared, but at the same time I had hope, because I knew that God was in control.

Your mom went through both a stroke and stage 3 cancer in 2023. What did watching her overcome those challenges teach you about being strong and never giving up?

I learned that strength does not come from ourselves, but it comes from God. And without Him, we would not have the power to carry on. My faith teaches me that his grace is enough and that his power is strongest in our weakness.

When you listen to “Won’t Let Me Go” now, what part of the song means the most to you – and has that meaning changed since you first wrote it?

When I listen to my song “Won’t Let Me Go” now, the part that means the most to me are the lyrics in the chorus that say, “I won’t stop fighting when things get hard, I run to the Father I know who You are.” The meaning of these lyrics have changed since I first wrote this song, because when I first wrote it, it was more of a song of trust, by running to God with all of our troubles, and having faith that he will make things new. 

You were a 2025 semifinalist in the International Songwriting Competition. What was it like to find out that your songwriting had been recognized in a competition with so many other songwriters?

I felt great joy knowing that my song had made it to the semi-finals. I was also shocked. It wasn’t because I didn’t have to believe in my song, but because my song was not professionally produced at the time. My mom just sent in the video of my song from her iPhone of me playing in my dining room. Out of 13,000 entries, I made it to the top 1,500.

You’re only 10 years old, but you’re already writing songs about some pretty big emotions. Where do you usually get your ideas for songs – things that happen to you, things you see, or just whatever pops into your head?

Most of my songs are just a mixture of ideas and personal experiences.

“Won’t Let Me Go” was released on July 31. What was the most exciting part of finally sharing a song that is so personal with the world?

I was very glad that my song was finally released, because I know that there are many people who struggle with hard things every day. And this song can be such a great encouragement to people to remind them to never give up, to have faith, and to give God all of your worries.

When you’re performing, do you ever get nervous? If you do, what helps you turn those butterflies into excitement?

When I’m performing I do get nervous sometimes. And when I do get nervous, what helps me is the energy from the crowd.

If you could spend one day writing and recording a song with any singer or songwriter in the world, who would you pick – and what would your song be about?

Anne Wilson. The song would be about all of the beauty that God has created. Anne, If you ever happen to read this, I would love to write a song with you. Could we write a song please? (Christian singer Anne Wilson was nominated for the 2024 GMA Dove Artist of the Year.)

When you’re not singing or writing songs, what’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?

I’m home schooled, I’m really good at art and I love to play pickle ball.

If another kid is going through something difficult right now and feels scared or discouraged, what would you want to say to them after everything you and your family have been through?

That they should never lose hope, and that they should put their trust in God every step of the way. Because He is still doing miracles.

Finally, do you plan to release other songs in the near future? What are your plans going forward?

I do plan to record more songs in the near future. I have a book full of songs that I would love to share with the world. I would love to perform my songs on stages in front of lots of people, so I can share my hope-filled songs with them.

Social Media

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reagannicholemusic

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@reagannicholemusi/video/7667690724632038687

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Reagannicholemusic

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Cover Photo courtesy Rhonda Smiga Photography.

Bob Valleau is a regular entertainment writer for Texas Lifestyle Magazine.