Raise your hand if you wanted to be famous when you were younger! Let’s face it – the glitz and glamour of Hollywood can surely seem enticing.
However, there’s another side to it all that isn’t normally on display under the flashing lights. What we see on TV, in magazines, movies, and even on social media can easily shape one’s definition of success. The pressure to cater to Tinseltown’s standards can be intense for many. While our favorite stars may seem happy on the outside, a completely different story may be unfolding inside.
LA-based singer and songwriter Michelle Ray has been in the spotlight since she was a child. Michelle grew up in a very musical household, and just knew she had to carry on the legacy. Both her father and grandmother were artist managers, and made sure Michelle was exposed to a wide array of genres. She started classical training at the age of 10, and developed a lifelong love for singing.
This love eventually landed her a spot on NBC’s The Voice, where she competed under Team Blake on Season 4. Since then, Michelle’s own voice has been featured in dozens of commercials. She has performed on some of LA’s most iconic stages, and has appeared in several shows, movies, and theater productions.
Having closely observed many of Hollywood’s unrealistic standards, Michelle decided to speak out against them – in a song, of course! “Dear Hollywood” is one of Michelle’s most honest songs to date, and tells a story of her experiences with the pressures of the industry.
Michelle spilled, “Besides the issue that magazines used retouched photos causing me to try and achieve an unrealistic physical goal, there is also a facade about Hollywood when it comes to stars and fame. I’ve been singing professionally since I was 11 years old and have been pushing through to achieve my dream to this day at age 28. There are so many iconic stars in Hollywood’s past that seemed to have the most glamorous lives to the public eye, but deep inside were plagued with unhappiness and not in control of their own lives. However, I am proud to say there is definitely is a shift in this perspective with artists like Lizzo, Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga that makes me proud to be part of this generation. I hope to be a part of this change.”
Listen below, and say hi to Michelle on Instagram @michelleraymusic!
