Op-ed: Chloe Bailey is Exactly What the Culture Needs

chloe bailey photo

Chloe Bailey — one-half of the dynamic sister duo Chloe x Halle — is a star in her own right. From singing to songwriting and producing, to acting, to dancing. I mean, you get it, she’s THAT girl. If you haven’t been paying attention to the Georgia native as of yet, you’re missing out. This 22-year-old is well on her way to becoming a powerhouse star, but there are people at every corner that are trying to dim her light.

Here’s how Chloe is making her way to the top of our radars despite criticsm from the naysayers.

How it started

chloe bailey baby picture

 

Chloe Bailey got her start in film and TV, according to ABC News. She played a younger version of Beyonce’s character Lilly in the 2003 film The Fighting Temptations.  From there, Chloe’s dad Doug Bailey began to develop both of his daughters’ talent on the Atlanta scene, Vulture shares. From talent shows to teaching them song structure, a young Chloe started honing her skills before the age of ten.

And then came YouTube

Chloe and Halle posted a video of them singing Beyonce’s “Best Thing I Never Had” on YouTube. And in result, it landed them a spot on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2012. According to Recapo, Ellen even gave the girls four tickets to the American Music Awards.

Their now-viral video eventually landed the duo in front of Beyonce herself. They were granted direct access to Queen Bey’s camp and were signed under her management company, Parkwood Entertainment.

Chloe Bailey’s time to shine

chloe bailey

Chloe’s relationship with her sister and their unwavering support and love for one another is one of the most heartwarming things to watch. And while many of us have grown accustomed to seeing them on their Instagram Lives doing their weekly “Ungodly Hour Tea Time” series, the duo split their social media presence in early 2021.

With separate Instagram and Twitter accounts, Chloe has been able to give us a peek into her world. And with that, we’ve gotten a glimpse into her star power. On stage, she commands an audience unlike none other. But privately, there are so many more layers to peel back.

Oftentimes, she’s very chill, flashing that bright smile, and interacting with fans on IG live. And, for the most part, it’s all love. Chloe’s personal account is relatable and shows a beautiful young woman who is finding herself, loving on herself, and doing all the things you’d expect someone her age to do.

From stunning selfies to her viral Buss It Challenge to behind-the-scenes production sessions, we get a nice look inside of her private life. And, for me, I’m enthralled by her infectious energy, combined with her quirky sense of humor.

Her lyrics spill the tea

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Back in August 2019, photos surfaced of Chloe Bailey on what appeared to be a date with her  Grown-ish co-star, Diggy Simmons.  While the relationship was hush-hush, the details around the breakup are said to be the focal point of a song she wrote called “Busy Boy.” The lyrics go a little something like this:

You told me that you with your family
My girl saw you with someone, leavin’ the party
That’s why I don’t play with you
I spend a little time, don’t stay with you
I tell you what you wanna hear all the time
Just because you’re so damn fine

She subtly avoids confirming or denying the song is about Diggy in an interview with 957 Jamz. However, we did get a little tea about this from an Instagram Live session between Chloe and her lil sis Halle.

I don’t know about you, but I kind of dig (no pun) how private she is. We love that she lets her music speak for itself!

The naysayers

Even when we shine in our own lives, oftentimes the universe throws something in our path to rain on our parade. Unfortunately, Chloe has been no stranger to intense criticism.

After posting a video of herself saging in her underwear, not only did she trend on Twitter, but she caught a lot of flack for her attire and for putting her body on display. Chloe took to her Instagram Live, where she cried a bit but ultimately addressed people who criticized her appearance on social media. She said the purpose of her video was simply to “spread positive vibes.”

Being Beyonce’s protégé has to be tough, and we’re sure it comes with a lot of expectations.  While Chloe should be allowed to create her own lane and behave unapologetically, people will always be judgemental of a young and talented queen. Speaking of being judgemental…

Leah A. Henry interviewed Mathew Knowles (Bey’s daddy), and he stated it’s “insulting” that “idiots” think Chloe reminds them of Beyoncé when she was younger. It was his tone that had people up in arms.

Chloe hasn’t addressed his statement. However, Yahoo! captured her sister Halle’s response  in a tweet, that reads: “How amazing is it that Chloe Bailey is already an icon.”

So, fine. Mathew’s delivery was a bit harsh, and there’s no harm in comparing artists because, after all, the greats inspire greatness. But it’s time we accept the obvious: Chloe is not Beyonce — nor is she trying to be. Chloe x Halle is amazing as a group, and equally as talented apart. But, folks, let’s be real. What we’re witnessing is the next generation’s top star climbing her way to the top.

In a league of her own

Chloe is doing all of the necessary work to be the best version of herself. She has the two things needed to make this work for her: talent and a strong work ethic. The result will be that we get to enjoy the rise of America’s newest multi-faceted entertainer.

Chloe has made it clear that this is a journey about her and for her. And if life has taught me anything, it’s that we should all run our own race. Instead of countless comparisons and criticism, let’s continue to uplift and support her in whatever she does.

I don’t know if and when she’ll release solo material, but it certainly seems like she’s headed in that direction.  Whether she decides to break free from Chloe x Halle or not, I don’t think it even matters at this point. What’s most important is that we respect Chloe as an entertainer, and throw as much love her way as she navigates her way through an industry that fails to give props to real artists.

Chloe, protect your energy and continue to be an inspiration to other young girls as you let your light shine. I’ll be here rooting for you all the way.

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