Chloe Bailey feels like she’s still “18 internally.” The Grammy-nominated artist has been in the entertainment industry for over a decade, starting her career as a child performer alongside her sister Halle.
The 26-year-old star has confessed to previously taking life too seriously but Chloe now wants to focus on her “happiness” instead. This shift in perspective comes after her successful solo debut album In Pieces which reached the Billboard Top 200.
“I’m 26, next year I’ll be 27, but I still feel like I am 18 internally. And I feel like the younger part of my years, I took life so seriously, and now I’m at a time when I really want to focus on my happiness while I work really hard towards my goals,” Bailey told PEOPLE. Her journey in the music industry began at age 13 when she and her sister were discovered on YouTube.
Bailey is feeling particularly excited about what’s in store in 2025. The multi-talented artist has already demonstrated her versatility through acting roles in “Grown-ish” and “Praise This,” expanding her creative portfolio beyond music.
“I’ve been more inspired than ever,” she shared. Her recent collaborations with industry giants have garnered millions of streams across platforms, showcasing her growing influence in the music industry.
“I have a lot of exciting things coming up, so I’m just giving my all into those.” Bailey’s upcoming projects include both music and film endeavors, building on her successful track record of cross-medium artistry.
Chloe looks at producing
The music star explained that she plans to dip into her “producer bag” in the next 12 months. Having already produced several tracks on her debut album, Bailey’s production credits demonstrate her comprehensive musical abilities.
“In terms of production and drums and synths, it’s like my mind has opened up to a whole new world [after] experiencing different cultures and things like that,” she said. Her production style has been influenced by various global music traditions, reflecting her international tours and collaborations.
“So I’m really excited about getting back into my producer bag pretty deep.” Bailey’s production work has already earned her recognition in the industry, with several critics praising her innovative approach to R&B production.
Meanwhile, Bailey recently admitted that she’s stopped taking life “so seriously” after becoming an auntie. This personal milestone has brought new perspective to her life and career trajectory, influencing both her personal growth and artistic expression.
Nephew’s birth changed her approach
The singer — the sister of music star Halle Bailey — admits that her entire approach to life has been transformed since the birth of her nephew, Halo, in December 2023. Halle’s transition to motherhood has brought the sisters even closer together, strengthening their already strong bond.
“I have to give credit to Halo, because I feel like he’s helping me tap into my rich auntie era,” Chloe told PEOPLE. The joy of becoming an aunt has influenced her creative process, bringing new emotional depth to her music.
“I definitely feel like I’m allowing myself to feel more of a boss and not take everything so seriously, and I have to give credit to him.” This newfound perspective has already begun influencing her upcoming work, with fans noting a more confident and relaxed approach in her recent performances.
The artist’s evolution from child star to independent artist has been marked by continuous growth and adaptation. Her commitment to balancing personal happiness with professional ambition resonates with many young artists navigating the entertainment industry.
Looking ahead to 2025, Bailey’s focus on self-growth while maintaining her creative momentum suggests an exciting new chapter in her career. Her ability to blend personal development with professional achievement continues to inspire her growing fanbase worldwide.
