IN CONVERSATION WITH HALEY REINHART

interview by JANA LETONJA

Double-platinum recording artist Haley Reinhart has carved out a distinctive space in music with her soulful, genre-blending sound that spans pop, jazz, rock, and soul. Since rising to national prominence on American Idol, she has built an independent career defined by artistic freedom and powerful vocal storytelling. With standout collaborations alongside icons like Tony Bennett, Slash, and Jeff Goldblum, and a viral cover of Can’t Help Falling in Love surpassing 550 million streams, Haley continues to evolve as both a performer and songwriter. Now, she returns with her newest single, Promise, a heartfelt reflection on the people who shape our lives, offering an intimate glimpse into her next musical chapter.

Your new single Promise feels deeply personal. What inspired you to write this song?
A deep, profound experience of love is the heart of Promise. I wanted to write from a place of true intimacy and vulnerability, capturing the kind of love that’s built over time, strengthened through commitment, and shaped by choosing to grow together. It’s a celebration of what happens when you stick it out, side by side, and let love deepen with every chapter.

The track is described as a tribute to the “loves of our life.” What does that idea mean to you right now?
My fiancé and I co-wrote this love ballad together, and I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come, not just as partners, but as collaborators. I’m deeply grateful that this is the very first song we’ve ever completed together.

At its core, Promise is about devotion in all its forms. On a larger scale, I believe anyone who has found love, whether in a partner, a newborn, an animal, or a chosen family, can truly see themselves in this song and feel that connection.

How does Promise reflect where you are creatively and emotionally at this stage in your career?
Writing Promise brought me to an incredibly vulnerable place, and I’m proud of that. Love is the grandest feeling we experience as humans, and being able to explore it through song, to express it honestly and intimately, felt like both a blessing and a release. It allowed me to open my heart fully and let the music carry what words alone never could.

You’ve always blended genres so effortlessly. How would you describe the sound and direction of this new era?
I live in many different musical worlds, and I never want to mute any of my colours. Promise is a classic yet modern love ballad, rooted in a sense of yesteryear, created organically, accompanied by just acoustic piano and strings.

There will absolutely be more robust, sensual, and sassy songs to come, but this one is pure heart. It’s meant to linger, to soften you and pull at every heartstring.

Your cover of Can’t Help Falling in Love became a massive global success. Did that moment change how you view your audience or your reach?
The success of my version of Can’t Help Falling in Love truly took me by surprise. What began as an Extra Gum commercial organically found its way to radio and has since become more than double-platinum.

That journey opened my eyes to the wide, multi-generational audience. I know that I have listeners who have been patiently waiting for more intimate, heartfelt songs. The outpouring of love stories I’ve received—weddings, anniversaries, engagements—has been nothing short of astounding.

Promise feels like a natural continuation of that story. It’s certainly a follow-up to Can’t Help Falling in Love, but this time, the words come directly from my own heart.

You’ve collaborated with legends like Tony Bennett, Slash, and Jeff Goldblum. What have those experiences taught you as an artist?
Every legend I’ve had the privilege of working with has been remarkably humble, each one deeply diverse, authentic, and completely at ease in their own skin. Their presence feels effortless, as if the thrill of stepping on stage is still fresh and exciting every single time.

Witnessing that level of artistry and humanity at such an early stage in my life has been profoundly rewarding. These experiences, and the moments shared both on and off stage, are ones I will always cherish. They’ve all made me feel completely at home, truly seen, valued, and appreciated for my skill set. The ease of it all speaks volumes about who they are, not just as performers, but as humans.

Your voice has such a distinctive tone and emotional quality. How do you maintain and evolve your vocal style?
I view my voice as an instrument that has endless possibilities and functions, which is why I do and will always continue to push the boundaries and find new ways to express my emotions through my tonality.

I feel that as a singer, we are gifted with the ability to be storytellers through not only our words but also how we emote them through our tone. That’s where the real magic lives and where the fun truly begins.

Looking back at your American Idol journey, how do you think it shaped the artist you are today?
Being a finalist on American Idol taught me so much about navigating the whirlwind that is the music industry. In such a short time, I gained invaluable experience both on and off-camera. I’ve always known I wanted to perform forever, but that journey strengthened my resilience and helped me build the thick skin needed to ride the highs and lows of this roller coaster we call the music biz.

With a new album on the horizon, what can fans expect from this next body of work?
Fans, both longtime and new, can expect tender love ballads like Promise, alongside more bold, sultry, retro-fresh tracks. I have a deep love for the music of the 50s, 60s, and 70s, and that influence will continue to shine through in my upcoming singles and ultimately, my fifth album.

Are there any themes or stories you’re particularly excited to explore in your upcoming music?
I love writing songs with layered meanings. Often, a song can speak to a loved one just as deeply as it can reflect a larger world issue or a personal struggle. Whether it’s a story of love or a tale of hardship, I enjoy weaving ideas together, finding the balance between light and shadow, and letting listeners discover their own connection within the music.

How do you stay inspired after so many years in the industry?
It’s easy to stay inspired when you’re living in a state of bliss. I feel aligned with the path I was meant to be on, and that sense of clarity allows new ideas to flow and brings me ever closer to the most authentic version of myself. That’s the ultimate goal and at this point in my journey, I feel truly at peace. From here, it’s only onward and upward.

Finally, what does this new chapter represent for you, both personally and professionally?
This new chapter represents a full-on, committed leap into 100% independent artistry for me. I am self-managed at this time and only diving deeper into my truest self as a writer and performer. I feel like with each project that I release, I have the grand opportunity to get closer and closer to the most authentic version of myself.

cover photography by MAX THOMPSON

TEAM CREDITS

talent HALEY REINHART
photography NAOMI CHRISTIE
editorial director and interview JANA LETONJA