Billboard Tonight proudly introduces Daisy Close, a 21-year-old American-Peruvian singer, songwriter, actress, and model based in Los Angeles who is rapidly rising as one of the most dynamic new voices in the entertainment industry. Born and raised in a small town in Texas, Daisy transformed her shy beginnings into an unstoppable drive to pursue her artistic dreams. With a deep passion for performing and storytelling, she embodies ambition, authenticity, and resilience. From singing duets with Kelly Clarkson to preparing the release of her debut EP “I Don’t Wanna Feel Anymore”, Daisy Close continues to inspire audiences worldwide through her soulful music, heartfelt lyrics, and empowering journey of self-belief and determination.
For those meeting you for the first time, how would you describe yourself and where your journey began? (introduction)
Thank you so much for having me Billboard Tonight, my name is Daisy Close. I am a twenty-one-year-old American-Peruvian singer/songwriter, actress, and model based in Los Angeles. Yes, I do it all. I would describe myself as very ambitious and determined when it comes to achieving my dreams within the entertainment industry. I have a huge passion and love for performing, and I believe it shines brightly through all that I do within the entertainment industry. I started my journey in a small town in Texas, where I was born and raised. I grew up as a shy only child, and it was often difficult for me to “fit in” with my peers in school and pursue my dreams within the entertainment industry without feeling judged or misplaced. That rejection and feeling of constantly being undermined and underestimated fueled a fire of motivation and an ever-growing resilience in me to work my hardest and be consistent in pursuing my dreams until I achieve each and every single one of them.
What first drew you into the world of entertainment—was it a specific moment or a lifelong passion?
Honestly, I always get asked this question, but there was never a certain moment or event that drew me into the world of entertainment or really solidified that I wanted to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. I’ve always been fascinated and intrigued with performing ever since I was a little girl. I grew up watching Hannah Montana and always loved to sing, write, dance, act, and model. I would put on shows for my mom and my stuffed animals all the time as an only child at home. It wasn’t until one day I realized, wait, I can actually do this as my job one day. It was definitely a lifetime passion of mine.
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Growing up, who or what inspired your creativity the most?
Growing up, I’d have to say many performers and outlets inspired my creativity. As for music, many of you know I have an old soul and was heavily inspired by old R&B and soul music from Aretha Franklin to Amy Winehouse, as well as early 2000s pop music from Beyoncé to Rihanna. I enjoy many genres of music; I take inspiration from everything I indulge in and use those little bits and pieces from my attentive ears to create pieces of music that embody both who I am as an artist and what makes my music truly unique to me.
Tell us about your first big break—what was that moment like for you?
My first big break in the music industry was singing a duet with Kelly Clarkson that went viral and was featured on The Kelly Clarkson Show. That moment was definitely surreal for me and an eye-opener to what it was like to be in the public eye as a vocalist. It taught me how to navigate both the praise and the hatred that comes from being in the spotlight.
What’s been your favorite project or performance so far, and why does it stand out?
My favorite project so far has to be my debut EP, “I don’t wanna feel anymore,” coming together in the studio. I have worked a tremendous amount on my EP; I like to call it a time capsule of the past twenty-one years of my life because it truly is. It’s all of the intimate moments unseen and hidden behind closed doors that only me and my songwriting notebook knew of for so long. To finally have the capacity to release these songs that mean so much to me and have helped me cope and heal through some of the most difficult as well as most beautifully challenging times of my life and to provide that same healing and resonance for my listeners to connect with means more than words could ever say to me. My favorite performance so far would have to be my debut Los Angeles show at The Viper Room. That was my favorite performance in retrospect just because I remember being so nervous for my debut show because I was always worried about the competition in a big city full of talented singers and songwriters in Hollywood, but the second I stepped on stage, I fit right in, and it finally felt like I was home. The feeling was indescribable; it was a sense of belonging I hadn’t felt in my career in quite some time. My heart felt so full by the end of the night, and it was the most welcoming experience I’ve had thus far in the city I am now so blessed to call my home.
How do you mentally and emotionally prepare before stepping into a new role or creative space?
That’s a great question. I both mentally and emotionally prepare through intense and serious practice and preparation for every role and stage I step into, whether it’s in the music or acting world. I take my craft very seriously, as I have mentioned before. I have this laser focus and precision when it comes to my visions and ideas I have for the performance I have planned, either as a vocalist or an actress or both. I make sure to always immerse myself in the character I am about to portray. It’s almost an out-of-body experience where I fully discover the character in full detail from their upbringing down to the way they walk. I quite literally step into the shoes of the role to allow myself to become one with the character I am taking on. As for music, it’s a very similar experience, surprisingly. I am a storyteller type of actress, singer, and songwriter, so I always allow myself the space and time I need prior to a performance or stepping onstage to tap into those emotions to really be able to emote and sell my performance in hopes of connecting with my audience emotionally. I’ve come to learn that many artists can sing well, and many artists can write well, but the real art and mastery that comes down to being a phenomenal artist is the emotional delivery you can bring both through your stage presence as well as your own authentic voice and songwriting capabilities.
Every artist faces obstacles—what’s been one challenge that truly shaped who you are today?
Absolutely, more than I’d like to admit, but I’ve learned it’s all part of the process of becoming an artist and discovering your full potential as a performing artist. Throughout pursuing my dreams in the entertainment industry, I’ve learned that the journey often shapes you in more ways than achieving the goal does in the end. I believe the journey to your destination is what allows the most amount of growth and character development, as that is the period where you will be tested in many ways and must stay persistent and headstrong towards your beliefs and values when it feels like the whole world is against you. I would have to say the biggest challenge that truly shaped who I am today as both an individual and as an artist has been my own pursuit towards making it in the entertainment industry. Pursuing this career has been anything but easy, and I have failed so many more times than I’ve succeeded, but I’ve never let the failures or any obstacles I’ve faced knock me down. The biggest lesson I’ve learned from this consistent challenge has been using the rejection and disappointment I have and will inevitably experience while pursuing my dreams as the fire I need to get back up and become that much stronger because I know that’s what’s going to push me to improve and go the extra mile to truly break down doors and create the life I know is destined and promised for me. This shift in my mindset has made me absolutely indestructible to criticism and has given me the much-needed thick skin necessary to pursue a career within the entertainment industry.
What’s your process when choosing the right project or role to take on?
My process when choosing the right project or role to take on varies from project to project; however, I often trust casting’s instincts when receiving an offer for a role, an offer to play a show, or an offer to be a part of a project from my team as well. Ultimately, I decide whether I think I’d be a good fit for the role, show, or project by trusting my instincts and playing to my strengths, but I am very open-minded and always enjoy a good challenge to improve my skillset. I try not to stick to one particular genre of acting or music, as I strongly believe and advocate for not confining yourself and your talents to one “box” as a performer, as I feel that is something seen more often than not, especially nowadays in the entertainment industry, and I refuse to set myself to limitations when my capabilities within the entertainment industry are endless.
Where do you find inspiration when creating or performing?
I find inspiration everywhere I go! I always keep my computer, a pencil and notebook, or my phone handy everywhere I go because you’d be surprised where inspiration might strike to write
a song. I’ve written a song practically everywhere and anytime at this point. I find most of my songs to be written either late at night or when I’m alone with my thoughts or reminiscing on a situation or someone. As far as performing goes, I find inspiration from a lot of powerhouse singers with stellar stage presence, such as Beyonce, Whitney Houston, and Jennifer Hudson.
If you could collaborate with any artist, actor, or director in the world, who would it be and why?
Ooh okay, if I could collaborate with any artist, it would have to be Beyoncé hands down or Teddy Swims and Renee Rapp because I adore them and their music. As far as actors and dream directors and producers go, I love Meryl Streep. She’s iconic, and I’ve been wanting to work with Kenny Ortega for quite some time now. I love his creativity and determination to bring his brilliant visions to life through his work! And music producer-wise, I would love to work with Justin Tranter.
What kind of roles or stories excite you the most and reflect who you are as an artist?
Many roles and stories excite me to reflect on who I am as an artist, but I’m usually most excited to play more dramatic roles and be a part of stories with much meaning and emotional connection through storytelling. A good example of a role and story that would reflect me and who I am as an artist would be Nina Rosario in In The Heights. Portraying Nina would be a dream role of mine for sure. Nina is a determined and ambitious young Latina woman determined to break the cycle of mediocrity for her family, much like myself, and the message and story of In The Heights is just so raw and inspirational. It’s a very motivational movie and musical that represents my community so beautifully.
When the cameras stop rolling, what brings you peace and happiness in your personal life?
When the cameras stop rolling, you can usually find me either writing or recording new music in the studio, dancing, modeling, at the gym, going for a run or walk, shopping, traveling, or getting coffee with friends!
Are there any causes, charities, or movements close to your heart?
Absolutely, I support several charities and organizations, such as Children’s Health in partnership with the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, as well as being a proud partner with St. Jude. At the moment the organization I am strongly supporting and advocating for is Mental Health America, as twenty-five percent of proceeds from my debut EP “I don’t wanna feel anymore” will be donated directly to Mental Health America to help advance the mental health and well-being of everyone living in the United States. This charity is close to my heart because I myself, like many, have faced struggles with my mental health, so I hope my album can ultimately showcase how life, love, and everything in between is messy behind the scenes of it all and how it’s okay to let yourself feel everything- the good, the bad, and the ugly.
How do you balance fame, faith, and your personal values in such a fast-paced industry?
I balance fame, faith, and my own personal values and morals in such a fast-paced industry by setting priorities and boundaries and sticking to what I value for myself as well as my future self. If I could give someone who’s just starting out in the entertainment industry one piece of advice, it would be to stand strong on your morals and values because if you don’t, the industry will eat you alive and turn you into a by-product of what they want you to become. Finding strength and
certainty in who you are and who you aspire to become will keep away all of the wrong people and places that aren’t meant for you and your journey. Another important factor to stand firm on is business and creating a sustainable work schedule that allows you time to relax and recover to avoid burnout.
What’s one goal or dream you’re manifesting for the next few years?
The biggest dream I’m manifesting for the next year would obviously be releasing my entire debut EP. I already have two singles off my EP out everywhere, “trust issues” and “over again” but I would like to distribute the rest of my album soon. I would also like to record a music video for at least one of my songs off my EP as well as go on tour performing my original music for my listeners and fans.
What advice would you give to young dreamers hoping to follow a path like yours?
The most important piece of advice I would give to young dreamers pursuing a path in the entertainment industry is to hold on tightly to your dreams and create an undeterred mindset for yourself so that no matter what obstacles and rejections you face while pursuing your dreams, you become relentless and won’t let anything stop you from pursuing your dreams. Giving up should never be anywhere near close to an option for you. The only way to give up is to stop trying. The moment you stop trying, you give up. Find resources to better yourself both in your profession as well as your personal life because they all feed into the person you’re becoming, believe it or not. Better yourself by strengthening your habits and being mindful of how you speak to yourself and the people you choose to surround yourself with.
Can you give us a little sneak peek of any exciting upcoming projects?
I can’t say too much about several upcoming projects; however, I do have some pretty exciting ones in the works! I can share that I am going on a mini tour for my Los Angeles and Hollywood listeners! My show dates are all listed on my website as well as my social media handles. I love
meeting my listeners and fans, and I would love to see you at my next show! And last but not least, a little birdie told me someone has a music video in the works, so make sure you keep an eye out for that and follow me on all socials so you can stay updated with all current and future projects I have coming out soon.
A dream red carpet event you’d love to attend?
The Grammys! Hands down. That would be such a dream!
Favorite co-star or celebrity inspiration?
My favorite would have to be Beyoncé. She is such a queen and inspiration to me, both through her music and her morals when it comes to staying grounded amid the challenges of pursuing a career in the music industry. She is strong-minded and has a strong determination and work ethic towards achieving her visions in the most perfect way possible.
A quote or mantra that keeps you motivated every day?
There’s not one specific quote or mantra that keeps me motivated every day, but I really do like the mantra of “consistency beats talent ninety-nine point nine percent of the time” or the mindset to “just do it motivated or unmotivated because ultimately you’ll thank yourself later.” I think my best motivation is simply staying grateful that I am able to experience these opportunities that others could only dream of having. Staying in a grateful mindset allows you to never take anything for granted and step into greatness and experience your fullest potential.
As Daisy Close continues to rise and carve her own lane in music, acting, and modeling, her journey stands as a true testament to resilience, authenticity, and passion. With her debut EP “I Don’t Wanna Feel Anymore” set to touch hearts around the world, Daisy is proving that dreams built on dedication and self-belief always find their way to the spotlight. Her story reminds aspiring artists everywhere that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about perseverance, purpose, and staying true to who you are. We can’t wait to see what’s next for this multi-talented star as she continues to shine brighter with every new project and performance.
