| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist | Halsey (Ashley Nicolette Frangipane) |
| Genre | Alternative pop, electropop, synth-pop, pop rock |
| Origin | Edison, New Jersey, United States |
| Active Since | 2012 |
| Known For | Concept albums, personal songwriting, genre changes and theatrical visuals |
| Major Albums | Badlands, hopeless fountain kingdom, Manic, If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power, The Great Impersonator |
| Signature Songs | “Colors,” “Bad at Love,” “Without Me,” “You Should Be Sad,” “I Am Not a Woman, I’m a God,” “Lucky” |
Artist overview
Halsey is an American singer and songwriter whose career has been defined by concept-driven albums, personal lyrics and changing sounds. Born Ashley Frangipane, they emerged through the online music scene before becoming a major pop artist with Badlands and “Without Me.” Their catalog moves between alternative pop, electronic music and industrial-influenced rock.
Halsey has received three Grammy nominations, including recognition for “Closer” and If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power. They have not won a Grammy.
Early life and rise to fame
Halsey was born in Edison, New Jersey, and learned several instruments including violin, viola and cello. They later began writing songs and performing with an acoustic guitar.
In 2012, Halsey began posting music online and eventually adopted the stage name Halsey. Their early SoundCloud recordings attracted attention, leading to a recording contract and the 2014 EP Room 93. The project introduced their intimate electronic-pop style.
Albums and artistic evolution
Badlands (2015) established Halsey through dark electropop and a dystopian fictional setting. The album reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and included “Colors” and “New Americana.”
hopeless fountain kingdom (2017) expanded the storytelling through a Romeo and Juliet-inspired concept. “Now or Never” and “Bad at Love” became major singles.
Manic (2020) was more personal and stylistically varied, mixing pop, rock, hip-hop and country. “Without Me” became Halsey’s first solo Billboard Hot 100 No. 1.
If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power (2021) moved toward darker alternative and industrial rock. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross produced the album, which was nominated for Best Alternative Music Album at the 2022 Grammys.
The Great Impersonator (2024) explores identity, mortality and musical influences through songs inspired by different eras and artists. It debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200.
Biggest songs
“Colors” remains one of Halsey’s best-known early songs, while “Bad at Love” became a pop hit. “Without Me” topped the Billboard Hot 100 as a solo single. “Closer,” a collaboration with The Chainsmokers, also reached No. 1 and became a major global hit.
“You Should Be Sad” brought country and rock influences into Halsey’s pop writing. “I Am Not a Woman, I’m a God” highlighted the heavier electronic and industrial direction of If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power. “Lucky” introduced the musical world of The Great Impersonator while drawing from Britney Spears’ earlier song of the same name.
Live performances and visual identity
Halsey’s performances combine pop, alternative rock and theatrical presentation. Their concerts use visual worlds tied to different album eras, from Badlands to If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power.
Their live shows reflect the emotional directness of their songwriting, moving between intimate passages and larger arrangements.
Frequently asked questions
Does Halsey write their own songs?
Yes. Halsey is a songwriter and co-writer across their catalog, working with different producers and collaborators depending on the project.
What is The Great Impersonator about?
The album explores identity, mortality and influence. Its songs draw on different musical eras and artists while reflecting Halsey’s personal experiences.
How many Grammy nominations does Halsey have?
Halsey has received three Grammy nominations and has not won a Grammy.
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