Hi, I’m Reese Michaels. Singing has always been more than just a hobby for me- it’s been a lifeline, a way to express emotions I couldn’t put into words. I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember, filling every space of my life with music. But what started as a carefree joy became something much deeper when I was just 10 years old. That was the year I lost my dad, and my world was turned upside down.

My dad was my biggest fan. He loved when I sang to him, and I loved how it made him smile. After he was gone, the silence felt unbearable. Singing to him had always been my way of connecting, of showing love in a way words never could. And when he wasn’t there anymore, it felt wrong to stop singing. So, I kept going. Every note, every song felt like a piece of him was still with me like he could hear me somehow. Singing became my comfort, my way of holding onto him.

For a long time, though, that’s all it was—a personal escape, something I did for myself and for him. But as I grew older, something shifted. I began to realize that singing wasn’t just helping me—it was something I wanted to share with others. It scared me, stepping out of that safe, private space and into the spotlight, but I knew I had to try. I wanted my voice to reach people, to give them the same sense of comfort and connection that singing had given me. So, I took the leap. I signed up for voice lessons, even though I wasn’t sure I was good enough. With every lesson, I grew—not just in skill but in confidence and in how I connected to the music. I started singing for family and close friends, and they became my first audience. I remember the first time I sang for them—I was so nervous I could barely get the words out, but their encouragement kept me going.

Since then, singing has become a part of who I am. Every time I perform, I feel like I’m sharing a piece of myself—not just with the audience but with my dad, with the music, and with the world. It’s not just about hitting the right notes or impressing people; it’s about connection, about telling a story, about letting someone else feel what I feel. Singing saved me when I didn’t know how to move forward, and it’s been my guiding light ever since. My hope is that my voice can bring comfort to others, just as it’s brought comfort to me. Whether I’m on stage or alone in my room, singing reminds me of who I am, where I’ve been, and the love I’ll always carry with me.