LOVE on your People today...

Last week I went home to visit my family and friends in Utah and wanted to share a few thoughts and express how THANKFUL I am for all of them!


So many incredible things have happened for me over the past two years, both in my career and in my personal life. I feel like I've spent so much time praying, wishing, hoping and chasing my dreams out here in LA that I haven't actually taken the time to sit back and look at all I have accomplished. I've also neglected to properly appreciate the people in my life who truly deserve it. Please forgive me for being cheesy for a minute but I have to thank my Mommy and Daddy for supporting and believing in me, you have NO idea how hard these last five years would have been without you. My eight brothers and sisters who, no matter how long it's been since we saw or spoke to one another, will drop everything they are doing to meet me for lunch when I'm in town :) Or my close and dear friends who will let me vent anytime I want and not ever pass judgement, or give me a haircut when I need one, pass along a inspirational book, give me a much needed make-up tip, or simply just remind me how loved I am when I feel alone. (You all know who you are and I love you SO much its unreal.) 


Basically, what I'm saying is that if you are embarking on a challenging path or event in your life, take the time to acknowledge your "folks". It changes everything and makes such a difference. I am so grateful for the things that have happened in life that remind me who my people really are and how much I need them. I'm lucky to have so many, but even if I only had one, I'd still be the luckiest girl in the WORLD!! 


Much Love my Loves!
xoxoxxxx

...ACM Awards in Vegas...

I had a great time in Las Vegas with the MadHouse and Sugarland. It was so cool to see how different the Country Music scene is. The vibe was SOOOO laid back and everyone was really nice, I loved it! And these folks can sAng! omg I was so impressed and inspired, I'm a total Miranda Lambert fan now :) I met Steel Magnolia backstage and they are adorable! And I somehow ended up in Eric Church's band dressing room.. hmmm. lol they were hilarious.

Our performance was so much fun, it was amazing to have both bands on stage playing together. I also heard that Rihanna is the FIRST black woman to ever perform on any Country Music Award show, so I guess I was kinda part of history last night!!! So cool :)

I'm still overwhelmed sometimes when I think about all of the incredible opportunities I've had this year in just a short amount of time. I am truly blessed and so thankful.

Please enjoy the video. "California King Bed" is such a beautiful song and it was an honor to perform it with these two incredible ladies. xo.

Hawaiian Vacation

Ahhh Hawaii, how I miss your clean air, and stress free environment :)
I recently took a vacation with my dear friend Jenn to celebrate her graduation from college (congratulations Jenn!!!) and my new job :)
Since I'll be gone for the rest of the year, I also thought it would be nice to spend some extra time with her before I go. (We're kinda married... lol)
We had such a good time, it was beautiful and I met some really cool people. We hiked to a waterfall and got eaten alive by mosquitoes. We went to an authentic Luau and I ate my weight in Mac Salad.. mmmmm Mac Salad. It's so amazing.
We beached it almost everyday and I've never been so relaxed in my life. I swam in the ocean and got ALL my hair wet, yes black ladies, you heard me. I'm not saying it was pretty, I'm just saying i got it wet :)
I saw a rainbow.. And I did some really deep thinking, ask Jenn. lol

I'm home again and finally over my Australian jet lag..Phew! whatta pain that was..
Today was our first rehearsal back and everyone sounded great! I'm happy to say that the MadHouse is starting to feel like home. I truly appreciate how loving and supportive they are, good folks..xo..

Anyway, gearing up for the ACM Award show this Sunday in Vegas. Watch for Rih singing California King Bed with Sugarland, it's gonna be dope!

Finally some Australia pics! I really haven't been able to take as many photos as I had hoped but its all good. In the meantime, I've been able to see most of this incredible country, perform with a superstar every night AND learn how to pack my life into a suitcase every other day in under 20 minutes! AHH Soben would be so proud :)
The shows have been amazing and I feel like they just get better and better. Special thanks to my dear friends Nada and Khan for coming to the show and hanging out after. Also to Elska and Hubby:) who came to the very FIRST show in Brisbane! I love you guys and Im so thankful I was able to see you again! xoxo

Im having a blast here and I cant believe we only have one more show in Australia :(

On another note, I just want to shout out and thank my beautiful friend Jen Kent, for helping me with this blog. Love you. I got your back on JT gurl ;) lol

Steve Perry is in the building...

Can I just say that joining the MadHouse has been incredible!? Seriously, when it comes to male vocalists, my top two all time favorites are Michael Jackson (R.I.P.) and Steve Perry. Turns out that Nuno is friends with this Legend, no big deal. So he invited him to one of our rehearsals last week. I really thought I was gonna freak out when I saw him in person, but thanks to a "pep-talk" from Nuno, I was able to keep it together :) lol
He was lovely and so down to earth, I'm so thankful for the opportunity I had to meet him and hopefully, I'll run into him again! So many wonderful things have been happening to me lately and I feel so blessed! I am truly, overwhelmingly thankful for my life and blessings that seem to be granted daily... These last few months have been a dream come true.

One of my favorite Steve Perry songs is called "You Better Wait" I put it on my Playlist below, have a listen! :)
xoxo

NBA All Star Halftime Show and Rihanna's Bday

Yet another exciting performance with Rihanna this last Sunday! NBA All Star show was awesome, we all had so much fun!!! Especially Nuno.. ;) hahahaha
After the show, we all went to Rhi's Bday party.. ok I've never had so much FUN! there was Jamaican food everywhere, Sprinkles cupcakes, and a full on candy stand! if you know me at all then you know I cared more about the sweets than the all the Super stars surrounding me all night :) However, I did freak out a little bit when I saw Beyonce and Jay walk in.. wow.
The next day we all flew to Australia. I am in Brisbane now and its 6am... tried SOOO hard to stay awake until at least 10pm to beat the jet lag, but my tired ass fell asleep at 730pm and woke up at 430am.. hmmm.
Anyway, here's the video from Sunday in case you missed the show.

Grammy's Baby!!!!

K but seriously, how did I end up performing at the Grammy Awards this year!?!? Im still kind of freaking out a little bit. I remember when I moved to LA five years ago, I wanted to go to the show SOOOOO bad, even if I was just a seat filler or something. lol. And now I can say forever that my first trip to the Grammy's was as a Performer! wow. Such and amazing night and a total DREAM come TRUE. I am so blessed to be part of such an awesome team and work for such a beautiful, talented young lady :) You were great Rhi!!!
I couldn't believe how much love and support I received on this day. Since the show was only live on the East coast, I was able to hear responses from my loved ones there first in the form of texts and FB posts. two hours later, hella Utah folks hit me up (love you guys!!!!) and finally I was able to watch for myself here in LA and I was beyond excited! screaming at the TV from my table at the Cheescake Factory :) lolol It seemed like every person on the Planet who knew me, saw me on TV that night. I just want to thank everyone who took the time to write me a message on Facebook or sent a text or even called. It meant the world to me and I love you all so much. This is just the first of many Performances with sweet Rhi, so stay tuned... NBA All Star Halftime show next week.. ummmm YAY.
xoxoxo

Happiest girl in the world,
Nicole