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Angelica Hale competed on America’s Got Talent during season 12, which aired in 2017. The show, known for bringing together a wide array of performers, offers contestants the chance to showcase their talents to a national audience. Acts range from singing and dancing to magic and comedy, with the ultimate goal of winning the $1 million prize.
During the twelfth season, Angelica Hale's powerful voice captivated both the judges and the audience, propelling her to the finals, where she finished as the runner-up to ventriloquist Darci Lynne. Her appearance on the show marked her rise to national fame as one of the youngest contestants to reach such heights in America’s Got Talent.
Angelica Hale's journey before and after America’s Got Talent
Early life and health struggles
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Angelica Hale was born in Atlanta, Georgia on July 31, 2007. Her early life was marked by a severe health crisis when, at the age of four, she contracted bacterial pneumonia. The infection led to septic shock and multiple organ failure, severely damaging her kidneys and scarring her right lung.
She was placed on ECMO life support at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and remained in a medically induced coma for 12 days. Hale spent a total of 80 days in the hospital recovering from this life-threatening condition. Her family endured a challenging period, but eventually, Angelica made a remarkable recovery, leaving the hospital on April 24, 2012.
The next significant phase of her recovery came when Hale underwent a life-saving kidney transplant on September 13, 2013. Her mother, Eva, served as the donor, ensuring Angelica's survival and improved quality of life. Hale spent a year and a half on dialysis before this procedure, which ultimately gave her a new lease on life.
Musical beginnings and rise to fame
After recovering, Angelica Hale discovered her passion for music and began taking vocal lessons. She trained under renowned vocal coach Tara Simon in Alpharetta, Georgia, to hone her skills. Her dedication soon paid off when she won a singing competition for children aged five to nine.
This victory set the stage for her involvement in various charitable performances, including events for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Hale’s big break came in 2017 when she auditioned for America’s Got Talent. Her rendition of Andra Day’s Rise Up earned her a spot in the competition, and she quickly became a fan favorite.
During the Judge Cuts round, guest judge Chris Hardwick awarded her the coveted Golden Buzzer after her stunning performance of Alicia Keys' Girl on Fire, propelling her straight into the live shows.
Throughout the live shows on America’s Got Talent, Angelica Hale continued to impress the judges and audience. She performed Clarity by Zedd and Foxes during the Quarterfinals and Without You by David Guetta for the Semifinals. Both performances showcased her vocal range and emotional depth, helping her secure a place in the finals.
During the Top 10 Finals, Hale performed Symphony by Clean Bandit and Zara Larsson. In the show's grand finale, she performed Kelly Clarkson's Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) alongside Clarkson herself and fellow contestant Kechi Okwuchi. Despite her incredible journey, Hale finished in second place, becoming the youngest runner-up in America’s Got Talent's history.
Post-America’s Got Talent success
After her time on America's Got Talent, Angelica Hale’s career continued to thrive. She became the first child ambassador for the National Kidney Foundation, using her platform to raise awareness about kidney disease. Hale also participated in the America’s Got Talent live shows in Las Vegas alongside other finalists, including Darci Lynne, Light Balance, and Preacher Lawson.
Hale performed at major events like NFL games, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and sports events such as the 2017 Falcons vs. Cowboys NFL game and a 2018 NHL game. In March 2018, she appeared on Celebrity Fight Night and Little Big Shots, further boosting her public profile.
Angelica Hale’s career and advocacy
Angelica Hale’s talent as a singer-songwriter emerged when she released her debut single, Feel the Magic, in May 2019. This pop song, written by Hale herself, reflected her personal experiences and journey. The accompanying music video allowed her fans to see her artistic expression through music.
In addition to her music career, Angelica ventured into acting. In 2018, she filmed her first movie, American Reject, in New Orleans. She lent her voice to the character of Maya in the animated series Maya Unstoppable, which premiered in 2019. Hale has continued to explore both music and acting, broadening her career beyond singing competitions.
In recent years, Angelica Hale has continued to perform at high-profile events, such as the annual PBS special A Capitol Fourth in 2019. In 2023, she appeared in the pre-Broadway production of the musical Boop! in Chicago’s CIBC Theater, which ran from November 19 to December 24, 2023.
Angelica also became a spokesperson for the Sepsis Alliance's It's About TIME campaign in 2018. As a survivor of sepsis, she works to raise awareness about the condition, sharing her story to help others recognize the signs and seek prompt medical attention.
America’s Got Talent season 12, featuring Angelica Hale, aired in 2017. Episodes can be streamed on NBC or Hulu. Meanwhile, the winner of America’s Got Talent season 19 will be revealed during the two-hour finale event on Tuesday, September 24, starting at 9 pm ET on NBC.
Don’t miss the one-hour countdown special at 8 pm ET to catch up on all the season’s incredible acts before the big announcement. Be sure to tune in and see who takes home the grand prize!
