Meet Rachel Hale | American Idol Top 20 Female Finalist, International Recording Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Hale and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I would say my “why” is the most important factor behind my success. Whenever I feel discouraged, I remember why I started. My “why” keeps me focused.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I am originally from a town of 3,500 people called Prescott, Arkansas. When I was 10 years old, I felt God called me to sing for Him. As I grew up, that was the dream I continued to work towards. In 2013, I was a top 20 female finalist on American Idol Season 12, and American Idol really helped launch my career.

Since Idol, I have had many career highlights. One of my personal favorite moments was co-writing a song called “Firm Foundation.” “Firm Foundation” became the title track for the album recorded by gospel trio Selah that went on to win Inspirational Album Of The Year at the 51st Dove Awards.

On September 16th, I am releasing my brand new country single “A Man.” “A Man,” is a tongue-in-cheek prayer begging mankind to get it together. I co-wrote “A Man” with songwriters CJ Solar and Andrew Scott Wills. The track was produced by Grammy-nominated Sal Oliveri and mixed by Grammy winner Andrew Ramsey.

When CJ, Andrew and I sat down to write, we were just catching up, and I was complaining about how hard it’s been to find a true southern man these days. Where I grew up in southwest Arkansas, men drive trucks, hunt and wear cowboy boots,” said Rachel. “At the time, I was new to Nashville, and I was wondering where I could find my type of man. I dramatically cried out, ‘Can I get A MAN?!’ It sounded comically familiar to the phrase you hear in church, ‘Can I get an amen?’ The rest is history. We took the pun, and ‘A Man’ was written in just a couple of hours. My hope is that this song becomes an anthem for women who feel like me. I also hope this song gives men the courage they need to be their best selves.

Outside of music, I have had a lot of fun developing my new Instagram series, “Hale’s Kitchen.” “Hale’s Kitchen” is a spin on Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen and a pun on my last name. In the series, I team up with paleo companies to make fun recipes for my followers to enjoy. I sometimes invite celebrity guests to join as well! I am making my first appearance at The World Food Championships in Dallas, Texas, this November. I cannot WAIT!!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am a big fan of fresh pressed juice, coffee, and ALL THINGS paleo. My friend and I would definitely hit up a local juicery, maybe Rawesome Juicery or Juiceheads ATL.

Okay, I LOVE nature, art, music, and sports. If we have a week, my friend and I are headed to Atlanta Botanical Garden and Centennial Olympic Park. I would love to catch a show at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre and a Braves baseball game at Truist Park. If time allows, I would also love to stop by the High Museum of Art and the Georgia Aquarium.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to give a shoutout to Julia Lang at Social Bound Marketing. Julia is one of the most hardworking, authentic, and supportive people I know. I am so grateful for her!

Website: www.rachelhalemusic.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/rachelhalemusic

Twitter: www.twitter.com/rachelhalemusic

Facebook: www.facebook.com/rachelhalemusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/krachelhalemusic

Image Credits
Bree Stevens