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Brooke Simpson
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Key Information
Brooke Mills Simpson is an American singer. She finished in third place in the 13th season on NBC's talent singing competition The Voice on Team Miley Cyrus.[1]
In 2021, she auditioned for America's Got Talent season 16 of America's Got Talent. She received a yes vote from each judge and advanced to the quarter finals round placing fourth in the finals.[2]
Early life
[edit]Brooke Simpson was born to an evangelical family. She discovered she loved singing at age 7. During her childhood she traveled and performed with her family; they attended pow wows hosted by the Haliwa-Saponi, a state-recognized tribe. Simpson is a member of the tribe.[3] Before appearing on The Voice, she moved from her hometown of Hollister, North Carolina to Fort Lauderdale, Florida with her husband, Ray Simpson. She was considering other careers instead of singing.[4][5] Her parents are Jimille and Mike Mills;[6] she has two siblings who are eight years younger: sister Leah and brother Mikey.[7]
Brooke Simpson met her vocal coach Andrez Franco in 2013.[8]
Career
[edit]The Voice
[edit]Simpson auditioned in 2017 for the 13th season of The Voice. In the blind auditions which were broadcast on October 1, 2017, she sang "Stone Cold" by Demi Lovato. The four judges, Adam Levine, Cyrus, Jennifer Hudson, and Blake Shelton turned around. She chose to be part of Team Miley[9] finishing in third place on December 19, 2017.[10]
The Voice performances
- – Studio version of performance reached the top 10 on iTunes
| Stage | Song | Original artist | Date | Order | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blind Audition | "Stone Cold" | Demi Lovato | September 25, 2017 | 1.11 | All four coaches turned; joined Team Miley |
| Battles (Top 48) | "You're a Big Girl Now" (vs. Sophia Bollman) | Bob Dylan | October 16, 2017 | 7.5 | Saved by Coach |
| Knockouts (Top 32) | "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" (vs. Stephan Marcellus) | Aretha Franklin | November 6, 2017 | 13.1 | |
| Playoffs (Top 24) | "It's a Man's Man's Man's World" | James Brown | November 15, 2017 | 17.1 | |
| Live Top 12 | "Praying" | Kesha | November 20, 2017 | 18.1 | Saved by Public vote |
| Live Top 11 | "What About Us" | Pink | November 27, 2017 | 20.5 | |
| Live Top 10 | "Amazing Grace" | John Newton | December 4, 2017 | 22.8 | |
| Live Semifinals (Top 8) | "Earned It" (duet with Davon Fleming) | The Weeknd | December 11, 2017 | 24.4 | |
| "Faithfully" | Journey | 24.8 | |||
| Live Finals (Top 4) | "Wrecking Ball" (with Miley Cyrus) | Miley Cyrus | December 18, 2017 | 26.8 | 3rd Place |
| "What is Beautiful" (original song) | Brooke Simpson | 26.4 | |||
| "O Holy Night" | Adolphe Adam | 26.10 |
| Collaborator(s) | Song | Original artist |
|---|---|---|
| Miley Cyrus, Ashland Craft and Janice Freeman | "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!" | Shania Twain |
| Sia | "Titanium" | Sia |
1776 revival
[edit]Simpson played Roger Sherman as part of the 1776 revival at the American Repertory Theater in Boston MA.[11] And would continue to originate the role on Broadway at the American Airlines Theatre in New York. Simpson played Courier in the national touring company in 2023.[12]
Discography
[edit]Releases from The Voice
- 2017: "Stone Cold"
- 2017: "You're a Big Girl Now" (with Sophia Bollman)
- 2017: "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman"
- 2017: "It's a Man's Man's Man's World"
- 2017: "Praying"
- 2017: "What about Us"
- 2017: "Amazing Grace"
- 2017: "Earned It" (with Davon Fleming)
- 2017: "Faithfully"
- 2017: "Wrecking Ball" (with Miley Cyrus)
- 2017: "O Holy Night"
- 2017: "What Is Beautiful"
Singles
[edit]- 2017: "What Is Beautiful"
- 2018: "2 AM"
- 2018: "Perfect"
- 2019: "Little Bit Crazy"
- 2019: "Stick Like Honey"
- 2020: "Real Long Nails"
References
[edit]- ^ Cain, Brooke (December 20, 2017). "NC's Brooke Simpson falls just short in 'The Voice' finale". Retrieved December 19, 2017.
- ^ "America's Got Talent: What To Know About The Voice Alum Brooke Simpson". ScreenRant. June 22, 2021. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
- ^ Davey, Chris (September 25, 2017). "Brooke Simpson – Stone Cold – Best Audio – Blind Auditions 1 – The Voice – September 25, 2017". YouTube. Retrieved January 13, 2018.
- ^ NBC (2017). "Brooke Simpson – NBC.com". NBC. Retrieved January 13, 2018.
- ^ People (December 12, 2017). "The Voice's Brooke Simpson Says Journey's 'Faithfully' Relates to Her Real Life Love Story". People Magazine. Retrieved January 14, 2018.
- ^ Cain, Brooke (December 12, 2017). "How to hang out with Brooke Simpson of 'The Voice' at her meet and greet for fans". The News & Observer. Retrieved January 14, 2018.
- ^ "Bio | Mills Family Ministries". MillsFamilyMinistries.com. August 6, 2015. Retrieved January 14, 2018.
- ^ Sengupta, Abhirup (June 23, 2021). "Who is Brooke Simpson? All you need to know about the former "Voice" contestant who received a standing ovation on America's Got Talent". www.sportskeeda.com. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
- ^ Asker, Jim (December 28, 2017). "Brooke Simpson Adds Latest Hot Christian Songs No. 1 From 'The Voice'". Billboard. Retrieved January 5, 2018.
- ^ WRAL (December 19, 2017). "Brooke Simpson takes 3rd place on 'The Voice'". WRAL.com. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
- ^ HARMS, TALAURA (May 26, 2022). "Check Out New Photos From Broadway-Bound 1776 at American Repertory Theater".
- ^ "1776: The Musical". 1776 The Musical.
Brooke Simpson
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life and background
Family and heritage
Brooke Mills Simpson was born on May 22, 1991, in Hollister, North Carolina, a small rural community in Halifax County.[1] She is the daughter of Jimille Mills and Mike Mills, both of whom are full-time evangelists.[7] Simpson has two younger siblings: a sister named Leah and a brother named Mikey, who are eight years her junior.[8] Simpson is of full-blooded Native American descent and an enrolled member of the Haliwa-Saponi Indian Tribe, a state-recognized tribe in North Carolina since 1965, primarily residing in Halifax and Warren counties.[9][10] The Haliwa-Saponi, whose name combines elements of "Halifax" and "Warren," trace their origins to Siouan-speaking peoples of the Piedmont region and maintain cultural traditions including annual powwows that celebrate tribal heritage through dance, song, and community gatherings, and the tribe is actively seeking federal recognition through legislation such as H.R. 2929 introduced in April 2025.[10][11] Raised in an evangelical Christian household, Simpson's family frequently traveled across the American South in an RV, performing gospel music and preaching at churches every weekend.[12] This nomadic lifestyle immersed her in a blend of spiritual and musical influences from a young age. During her childhood, she also participated in performances at the Haliwa-Saponi tribe's annual powwows, events that reinforced her cultural identity and connection to her heritage.[13]Musical beginnings
Simpson discovered her passion for singing at the age of seven while performing during family church services in North Carolina.[14] Growing up in an evangelical household, she was immersed in gospel music traditions that shaped her early vocal style and performance instincts.[13] This foundational exposure to sacred music emphasized emotional delivery and communal expression, influencing her approach to song interpretation from a young age.[7] As part of her family's gospel group, Mills Family Ministries, Simpson began traveling and performing at churches and community events across the South during her childhood.[15] These outings included local venues in North Carolina, where she sang alongside her parents, honing her stage presence through impromptu and scheduled appearances.[7] As a member of the Haliwa-Saponi tribe, she also participated in pre-fame performances at tribal gatherings, blending her cultural roots with musical expression.[16] In 2013, Simpson began formal vocal training with coach Andrez Franco, which refined her technique and prepared her for broader opportunities.[17] This collaboration marked a shift from informal family-based practice to structured development, allowing her to explore diverse genres while retaining the gospel foundation of her upbringing.[14]Personal life
Marriage and relocation
Brooke Simpson married Ray Simpson in 2014.[1][3] Ray, a worship leader, has supported her career while collaborating on ministry efforts.[18][19] Following their marriage, Simpson and her husband relocated from her hometown of Hollister, North Carolina, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to pursue church-related opportunities.[20] In Fort Lauderdale, the couple worked together at Potential Church, where both served as worship pastors.[21][22] This move provided stability for their early married life amid Simpson's emerging musical pursuits. After gaining prominence on The Voice in 2017, Simpson and her husband relocated from South Florida to Los Angeles to advance her professional endeavors in entertainment.[23] As of 2023, the couple resides in Los Angeles.[24]Religious influences
Brooke Simpson was raised in an evangelical Christian family in Hollister, North Carolina, where her parents worked as evangelists, traveling throughout the South to sing gospel music and preach. From the age of seven, she joined her family in church performances and worship services, which emphasized gospel traditions and laid the groundwork for her vocal style rooted in spiritual expression. This upbringing fostered a strong personal commitment to faith, as she later described dedicating her life to music through a Christian lens. Simpson sustained her engagement in church activities into adulthood, serving as a worship pastor at Potential Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, alongside her husband, Ray, who served as worship pastor there.[21] In this role, she contributed to contemporary worship services, blending her professional singing experience with communal spiritual practices.[25] During her time on The Voice in 2017, Simpson openly shared her faith through performances of gospel-influenced songs, such as her rendition of "Amazing Grace," which received a standing ovation and underscored her identity as a Christian youth leader.[22] She explained in interviews that these choices allowed her to reveal her spiritual background, distinct from her earlier showcases of Native American heritage and artistry.[26] Similarly, on America's Got Talent in 2021, her vocal selections echoed the inspirational tone shaped by her gospel roots, though she focused more on contemporary pop interpretations.[27] Her early career song choices were profoundly influenced by gospel music from her family's ministry, guiding her toward tracks that convey themes of redemption and praise even in secular competitions.[28] Simpson has credited this foundation for providing emotional depth in her performances, as seen in selections like "Faithfully" during The Voice semifinals.[26]Career
The Voice
Brooke Simpson auditioned for the thirteenth season of NBC's The Voice in 2017, performing Demi Lovato's "Stone Cold" during the blind auditions on September 25, which prompted all four coaches—Blake Shelton, Jennifer Hudson, Adam Levine, and Miley Cyrus—to turn their chairs, marking the season's first four-chair turn.[29] She ultimately chose to join Team Miley Cyrus, citing the coach's emotional connection to the performance and shared appreciation for powerful vocals. In the battle rounds, Simpson was paired with Sophia Bollman to perform Bob Dylan's "You're a Big Girl Now," a duet that showcased her soulful range and control against Bollman's softer tone, leading Cyrus to declare Simpson the winner and advance her to the knockout rounds. During the knockouts on November 6, she delivered a commanding rendition of Aretha Franklin's "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," outshining competitor Stephan Marcellus with her dynamic phrasing and emotional depth, securing another victory and a spot in the live playoffs with the steal from Hudson going unused.[30] Miley Cyrus served as her primary coach throughout the competition, providing guidance on vocal stamina and stage presence, while guest mentor Billy Ray Cyrus offered family-oriented advice during the battle and knockout preparations, emphasizing authenticity in performance.[31] Simpson progressed through the live shows, starting with the playoffs on November 20 where she sang James Brown's "It's a Man's Man's Man's World," earning praise for her gritty interpretation and advancing via coach's save. In the top 12 on November 27, she performed Kesha's "Praying," a heartfelt track that resonated with her experiences and propelled her to the top 11 through public votes.[32] Her top 11 performance of P!nk's "What About Us" on December 4 highlighted her Native American heritage with visuals of Haliwa-Saponi tribal lands, symbolizing unity and earning widespread acclaim for blending pop with cultural pride.[16] In the top 10 on December 11, she tackled "Amazing Grace (How Sweet the Sound)." In the semifinals on December 18, she sang Journey's "Faithfully" as her solo and dueted The Weeknd's "Earned It" with Davon Fleming, both of which underscored her versatility in gospel, pop, and R&B styles.[32] Reaching the finals as one of three contestants alongside winner Chloe Kohanski and runner-up Addison Agen, Simpson's December 18 finale performances included a holiday rendition of "O Holy Night," her original song "What Is Beautiful"—a self-empowering anthem co-written during the show—and a duet of Cyrus's "Wrecking Ball" with her coach.[33] On December 19, 2017, she finished in third place, tallying the third-highest public votes and becoming the highest-placing Team Miley contestant in the season.[34] Simpson's deep run on the show significantly boosted visibility for Native American artists in mainstream music competitions, as her Haliwa-Saponi background and performances incorporating tribal elements inspired discussions on indigenous representation in pop culture.[35] The exposure led to the iTunes release of "What Is Beautiful" as a post-finale single, which debuted on digital platforms and charted on Billboard's emerging artists lists, tying directly to her Voice journey.[36]America's Got Talent
Brooke Simpson returned to competitive television in 2021 by auditioning for season 16 of America's Got Talent, following her third-place finish on The Voice four years earlier.[37] In her audition, aired on June 22, 2021, she performed Lizzo's "Cuz I Love You," accompanied by her husband on piano, earning enthusiastic cheers from the audience and unanimous approval from the judges—Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, and Sofia Vergara—who were visibly impressed, with Vergara's jaw dropping and Cowell offering a rare smile.[37] Host Terry Crews highlighted the power of her delivery, exclaiming that she "sang that," as she advanced to the quarterfinals.[37] In the quarterfinals on August 24, 2021, Simpson delivered a powerful rendition of Billie Eilish's "Lost Cause," showcasing her vocal control and emotional depth, which propelled her into the semifinals as one of the top vote-getters.[38] During the semifinals on September 7, she tackled Ed Sheeran's "Bad Habits," overcoming a shaky start to build to a high note that earned a standing ovation from the audience and all four judges.[39] Cowell praised the second half as "spectacular" and called her an "amazing singer," while Klum noted her growth throughout the competition; she advanced to the finals based on viewer votes.[40] Throughout her run, Simpson emphasized her Native American heritage as a member of the Haliwa-Saponi tribe from North Carolina, proudly representing Indigenous communities on a national stage and inspiring Native American youth through her performances.[41] The judges frequently commended her authenticity and stage presence; Mandel highlighted her relatability, Vergara her passion, and Cowell her star quality, with the panel consistently rooting for her advancement.[42] In the finals on September 15, 2021, Simpson collaborated with Bishop Briggs on "White Flag," delivering a fierce and heartfelt performance that underscored her versatility.[43] She ultimately finished in fourth place among the top five contestants, receiving praise from the judges for her journey and potential as a recording artist.[44]Theater roles
Simpson transitioned to musical theater following her television appearances, marking a shift toward ensemble stage performances. She was cast in the all-female revival of the Tony Award-winning musical 1776 in April 2020, portraying Founding Father Roger Sherman of Connecticut, with the production initially delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.[45][46] Preparations continued remotely via Zoom until the show could proceed, allowing Simpson to refine her role as one of the diverse ensemble members reimagining the story of the Declaration of Independence.[46] Her visibility as a finalist on America's Got Talent contributed to securing this opportunity, highlighting her vocal and performative talents in a scripted context.[47] Simpson made her Broadway debut as Roger Sherman in the revival at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre (originally announced for the American Airlines Theatre) on October 6, 2022, with the limited engagement running through January 8, 2023.[48] In the gender-inclusive production directed by Diane Paulus, she also understudied the roles of Abigail Adams, Rev. Jonathan Witherspoon, and the Courier, stepping into the ensemble's innovative casting that featured female, transgender, and non-binary performers.[49] The role provided a platform to honor Simpson's Haliwa-Saponi Native American heritage, as she incorporated elements like a family medallion worn onstage—passed down for over 30 years—and delivered a recorded land acknowledgment recognizing the Lenape people of Manahatta, emphasizing Indigenous presence in the narrative of American founding.[50] "I'm portraying this founding father, but I'm also representing myself and a history of people that already had a nation here," Simpson reflected, underscoring the production's blend of historical drama with contemporary representation.[50] Following the Broadway run, Simpson joined the 2023 national touring production of 1776, where she took on the role of the Courier while understudying Roger Sherman.[24] In this capacity, she performed the land acknowledgment at each stop, further amplifying Native American voices by invoking tribes including her own Haliwa-Saponi, and continued wearing her ancestral medallion as a symbol of cultural continuity.[24][51] The tour included a notable engagement at the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) in Durham, North Carolina—her home state—from May 31 to June 4, 2023, allowing local audiences to witness her heritage-infused performance.[24] In 2025, Simpson continued her stage presence with cabaret performances, including singing "Warrior" from an upcoming Native American musical at The Green Room 42 in September and appearing in the Iconoclastic Voices concert in April.[52] As of 2025, 1776 remains Simpson's primary stage credit, establishing her as a rising figure in musical theater through this landmark revival.[4]Discography
Singles as lead artist
Brooke Simpson's debut single as a lead artist, "What Is Beautiful," was released on December 18, 2017.[36] The track, an empowering original composition addressing self-acceptance and societal beauty standards, featured self-written elements co-authored with Miley Cyrus and additional songwriters Chelsea Lena Silon, Robert John Richardson, and Bianca Atterberry.[53][54][55] Produced by Bobby Raps, the song debuted during the finale of The Voice season 13 but was issued independently as a commercial single.[56] It achieved modest chart success, reaching number 8 on the iTunes top 10 sales chart shortly after release.[33] In 2018, Simpson released "2 AM" and "Perfect" as independent singles. "2 AM" explores late-night reflections, while "Perfect" delves into themes of imperfection and growth. In 2019, she issued "Little Bit Crazy" and "Stick Like Honey." "Little Bit Crazy" captures her energetic personality, and "Stick Like Honey" highlights relational dynamics with a soulful vibe.[57] In 2020, Simpson released "Real Long Nails" on February 13 as her next independent single.[58][59] This self-written country-pop track, dedicated to her younger self, emphasizes themes of personal empowerment, self-love, and confidence through vivid imagery of style and resilience.[60][61] The song received praise for its authentic reflection of Simpson's experiences, blending pop energy with cultural undertones drawn from her Native American heritage.[62] That year, she also released the EP So Tired on September 4, featuring tracks "So Tired, Pt. 1" (with Chloe Mk) and "So Tired, Pt. 2," addressing exhaustion and perseverance.[63] In 2021, Simpson released "You Only Had One Job" and "Haliwa" on November 11. "Haliwa" honors her Haliwa-Saponi tribal heritage with lyrics celebrating cultural pride and resilience.[64][65][66] As of November 2025, Simpson has not released any major lead artist singles following her 2021 releases, focusing instead on theater, collaborations, and select features.[67] Her independent releases have garnered acclaim for their genuine storytelling and vocal prowess, though they have not achieved widespread chart dominance. She maintains approximately 3,500 monthly listeners on platforms like Spotify.[57]Contestant performances
Brooke Simpson gained prominence through her vocal performances on NBC's The Voice during season 13 in 2017, where she competed as part of Team Miley and finished in third place. Her audition and subsequent rounds showcased a versatile range, blending soulful covers with an original composition, all of which were recorded and released digitally as part of a compilation album. These performances highlighted her powerful alto and emotional delivery, earning praise from coaches and advancing her to the live shows.| Round | Song | Artist | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blind Audition | "Stone Cold" | Demi Lovato | Turned all four chairs; selected Team Miley. | [68] |
| Battle Rounds | "You're a Big Girl Now" | Bob Dylan | Duet with Sophia Bollman; Simpson declared winner. | [32] |
| Knockouts | "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" | Aretha Franklin | Defeated Stephan Marcellus; stole by Blake Shelton but stayed with Miley. | [69] |
| Playoffs | "It's a Man's Man's Man's World" | James Brown | Advanced to live shows. | [70] |
| Live Top 11 | "What About Us" | Pink | Advanced to Top 10. | [32] |
| Live Top 10 | "Amazing Grace" | Traditional | Public vote advanced her. | [32] |
| Live Semifinals (Top 8) | "Faithfully" | Journey | Solo performance; also featured in a duet medley. | [71] |
| Live Finals | "O Holy Night" | Traditional | Part of holiday segment. | [32] |
| Live Finals | "What Is Beautiful" | Original | Debut of her self-penned single; highlighted personal themes of self-worth. | [32] |
| Live Finals | "Wrecking Ball" | Miley Cyrus | Duet with coach Miley Cyrus in finale medley. | [32] |
| Round | Song | Artist | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audition | "Cuz I Love You" | Lizzo | Received unanimous yes from judges; advanced to quarterfinals. | [72] |
| Quarterfinals | "Lost Cause" | Billie Eilish | Powerful rendition earned judges' acclaim; advanced via public vote. | [73] |
| Semifinals | "Bad Habits" | Ed Sheeran | Started shakily but built to a strong finish; praised by Simon Cowell as "an amazing singer." | [39] |
| Finals | "White Flag" | Bishop Briggs | Solo performance; reprised as duet with Bishop Briggs in results show. | [74] |