Nicolina has found her voice

Toronto-based singer-songwriter Nicolina Bozzo first captured the spotlight with her powerhouse performances on American Idol, where she quickly became a fan favourite. Since then, Nicolina has been on a journey of artistic discovery, evolving from a talented cover artist into a deeply personal and expressive songwriter. Her music, often inspired by her own life experiences, resonates with listeners through its vulnerability and emotional depth.

Now, Nicolina is taking her career to new heights as one of the emerging artists in the RBCxMusic First Up program, powered by MusiCounts. This initiative supports and elevates Canadian musicians by providing resources, mentorship and performance opportunities—a key part of RBC’s broader ambition to equip the next generation of creatives with skills for a thriving future. In conversation with Toronto Life, Nicolina opens up about her growth as an artist, her creative process, the Adele comparisons and how the RBCxMusic First Up program is shaping her path forward.

You’ve gained a massive following since your time on American Idol. How has your work changed since then?

When I was on American Idol, I was just starting out and didn’t really know my sound or who I wanted to be as an artist. That’s the biggest change since then—I’ve really honed my sound and my craft. After the show, I dove into the Toronto music scene, started writing, working with different producers and began to see who Nicolina truly is as an artist. Now, I’m not just doing covers; I’m putting out my own work that really reflects who I am.

Your music often touches on deeply personal themes. Can you share how your experiences have shaped your songwriting?

Definitely. Like everyone, I’ve gone through both good and bad experiences in my life. I see them as learning lessons and stepping stones, and I try to turn them into something beneficial through my music. I love being vulnerable in my songs, showing a raw side of my experiences and how they shaped me into who I am today. My hope is that others can relate to the themes I write about and find something meaningful in them.

Do you have any rituals related to your songwriting process?

I do! Before I start writing, I like to have a good laugh. Most of my songs deal with heavy or sad topics, so I find it helpful to set a positive tone before diving into the emotions. Whether I’m working alone or with a team, I make sure we’re in a good headspace, having some laughs and positive vibes before we get into the tears and heartache.

How did you develop your musical style and who are your biggest influences?

My number one influence has always been Adele. People often compare me to her because of our big ballads and the emotional depth in our music. I’ve always admired her career, her journey and everything about her music. I also draw inspiration from artists like Yebba—she’s one of the best vocalists of our time—Renee Rapp and Lizzy McAlpine. I love Lizzy’s storytelling. I try to create a “music love child” of all their styles in my own work.

What was your creative process in writing Situations?

Situations was a bit of a long process. I wrote it about a year before releasing it last spring. At the time, I was going through a wild situationship and just knew I had to write about it. We approached it with a fun, sassy-diva attitude, which felt empowering even though I was confused emotionally. The production process was also a group effort involving my band and writing team, which is different from how I usually work. But in the end, the outcome was totally worth it.

How has the RBCxMusic First Up program influenced your career?

The RBCxMusic First Up program has been amazing. I’d heard great things about it from other artists and I wanted to get involved to meet new people in the industry and build my knowledge about the music business. While my team handles a lot of the business side for me, I want to understand it for myself—how promotion works, how to sync songs and more. The program has been a great way to expand my knowledge and connect with others in the industry.

What have been some of the highlights of the RBCxMusic First Up program for you?

The biggest highlight has been being in a space with other artists who share similar passions and goals. We’re all learning and growing together, which is really inspiring. The Canadian music industry is small, so it’s been great to meet new people and make connections.

As a young artist in the industry, what advice would you give to others who are just starting out?

I’m still in the early stages of my career, but I’d say: enjoy the ride. Be authentically yourself, create what makes you happy and don’t let anyone change your voice once you find it. That’s what makes you unique, so hold onto it.

How has social media played a role in your audience building, and how do you manage the pressures and expectations that come with such a public persona?

Social media is huge—it’s the biggest tool for getting your music out there. I wouldn’t have the career I have now without it. But there’s definitely pressure to put out the best of yourself, and dealing with trolls can be tough. I manage it by focusing on my self-worth. I know what I’m capable of and if I love what I’m putting out there, I’m sure others will, too. You have to be your own biggest fan when you’re sharing your work with the world.

Looking ahead, what’s on your career bucket list?

Touring is definitely at the top of my bucket list. I’d love to visit different places and play in different venues. I haven’t done that yet, but it’s something I really want to do. For now, I’m focused on building a solid fan base in Toronto and then expanding from there. But touring is definitely something I’ve got to do soon.

Nicolina Bozzo will be performing at the Hello! Canada x Toronto Life Hollywood North party to kick off the Toronto International Film Festival.