Twenty-year-old Nicolina has had a whirlwind few years. When the Canadian teen began posting TikTok videos from her suburban bedroom in 2020, she had no idea she would eventually find herself on the international stage on 2022’s American Idol. But when you hear her sing – and when audiences all over the world have experienced her almost preternatural talent – the journey feels almost inevitable. It’s those breathtaking high notes, rich tone, and controlled range. Nicolina’s talent is undeniable, and the sheer force and reality of her voice have made her a fan favourite and artist to watch as she gets ready to release new music.

Growing up in Toronto’s suburbs, the eldest of three sisters, Nicolina was surrounded by music, and once she started singing as a toddler, she never stopped. An early grade school experience of singing in front of a crowd and eliciting big emotions from her teachers and faculty became a kind of guidepost for her. People react – they have always reacted – when she sings, and connecting with audiences on such a visceral, emotional level is at the heart of everything she does.

Nicolina continued singing informally throughout her childhood before attending a performing arts high school and connecting with peers and teachers to collaborate with and learn from. It was here, while studying musical theatre, that she began to seriously develop her innate ability to tell a story and connect with an audience through music. While she was in high school she began posting on social media, quickly getting significant attention for her resonant covers of ballads on TikTok. During this time, Nicolina was learning how to be an artist, taking inspiration from those who came before her and constantly drawing on her own life to create something beautiful and emotional to share.

Those popular TikTok posts resulted in calls from casting agents and the opportunity to audition for American Idol. The experience was pure positivity. Says Nicolina “everything was so magical. When it came time to meet the judges, I felt a wave of adrenaline and nerves, but I was totally composed. I opened my eyes at the end of the song and the judges were on their feet. There was nothing but positivity and love.” The storied competition loved her back: Nicolina went on to become the only Canadian in the history of American Idol to navigate to a top five finalist and fan favourite. Nicolina returned home to Canada and decided it was time to take the leap and pursue music.

A self-taught keys player, Nicolina began writing her own music and collaborating with other musicians and writers. And everything, always, starts with the music. When Nicolina writes, the emotion in the music and melody come first and are woven together with lyrics. Much like her musical influences Lizzy McAlpine, Yebba, and, of course, Adele, Nicolina writes from her heart and connects with audiences where they’re at, hitting straight at the emotional heart of the matter through music and the power of her voice.

Her hit single “Situations”, started from a teenage romance that lacked defined boundaries or pure intentions. Nicolina says, “I wanted to write an upbeat song about those feelings of the initial excitement of pursuing someone but also the uncertainty in that type of relationship that results in a ‘situationship’”.  Co-written with Liz Rodrigues (Celine Dion, P!nk) and Cassie Dasilva (Universal Music recording artist) and co-written and produced by Steve Mo (Finger Eleven, LØLØ, Kayla Diamond), “Situations” is a breakout single.

Nicolina’s debut EP ‘Rearview’ (October 2024) features a collection of 5 songs that best reflect where Nicolina is at as a songwriter and as an evolving artist. With singles like ‘Way Out’, ‘Pretty’ and ‘Situations’ there’s an expression of a girl evolving into a women and navigating relationships.With more new music on the horizon, along with a slate of electrifying live shows, audiences are ready for what’s next for this talented young singer songwriter.