Interview: "Why Not?" How One Spontaneous Choice (and a Little Yodeling) Launched Belle Bongiorno's Music Career

Belle Bongiorno got her start on “Hits! The Musical" after an accidental singing audition — Photo credit: Rachel Monteleone

For Belle Bongiorno, music was never the original plan—it just kind of… happened. From her roots as a classically trained dancer to a completely unexpected moment of yodeling that landed her a spot on a national tour, her journey into music is completely unconventional. Now, with the release of her debut single, “Flavor of the Month”, she’s making her debut with a high-energy pop anthem that celebrates self-expression. We caught up with Belle to talk about her whirlwind entry into music, the wildest music video concept she can dream up, and why being yourself is the ultimate power move.

Hi Belle! Thanks so much for chatting with me. First off, huge congrats on your debut single, “Flavor of the Month”! It’s insanely catchy and pure pop in all the best ways. Releasing a debut single is a huge moment. Did you feel pressure to pick the “perfect” first song? What made “Flavor of the Month” the one?

Hey!!! Thank you so much! For my debut song, I knew I wanted to release something that really screams ME! ‘Flavor Of The Month’ is my pop anthem about embracing who you are, without worrying if you’ll fit in. It’s high energy, super fun, and perfectly matches the message. It’s everything I hoped that my first release would be— no pressure, no overthinking. It just felt right!

The artwork is SO fun and I feel like I get such a strong sense of your personality between this song and your social presence. What do you hope listeners feel when they hear this track or see you perform live?

The day before releasing ‘Flavor Of The Month,’ I realized I didn’t even think about what to do for a cover! That same day, A few friends and I ended up at the grocery store, buying a ton of ice cream (because why not?), and then we threw together a colorful backdrop in my bedroom. It was all last minute chaos, but it turned out to be so much fun. When people hear my song, I hope it gives them a burst of energy to get up and dance— I know I do! Live in the moment, dance around, and never be afraid to stand out!

Your journey into music is pretty unique. You were classically trained in dance, and singing was more of a spontaneous thing that turned into the main event. How did that happen?

This is one of my favorite stories to tell! I’ve been dancing my whole life, and I’ve always loved singing, but I always thought of it as more of a “fun hobby” than anything serious. After graduating high school, I was all set to go to Marymount Manhattan College in New York City, aiming to major in dance. That summer, I began auditioning for shows as a dancer. One day, I stumbled upon this audition for a 50-city national tour of a new show called Hits! The Musical. I had signed up as a dancer, but when I showed up a couple weeks later, they ushered me straight into the singing room (I was confused as to why people were wearing sandals). I told one of the staff members that I was there to dance, and they hit me with, “Do you want to sing anyway?” Without hesitation, I thought, “Why not?” So, totally unprepared, I walked in and yodeled—because what did I have to lose?

Somehow, out of nearly 7,000 people, I ended up being chosen as one of the singers for the show! That experience totally flipped a switch in me and sparked this fierce love and passion for music that I’ll never forget. I also got the chance to pick up guitar and bass for the show, which honestly turned out to be one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. Being able to learn and play those instruments on stage felt like a whole new level of magic! I will never forget the moment I realized, “Yep, this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.”

That’s a dream scenario for so many musicians, but you’ve almost worked in reverse, starting on a national tour and then launching your own career. How has that shaped your approach as an artist?

Starting off my music career with a national tour taught me so much. It was all so new to me, and being able to work with young artists at all stages of their careers was incredible. Being a part of a show like this gave me a front-row seat to the hard work, passion, and raw energy it takes to perform. It also helped me gain the confidence to find my own voice, knowing I didn’t need to follow a specific path, but rather create one that felt true to who I am as an artist.

Dance is obviously a huge part of who you are. Do you approach your music and performances differently because of your dance background?

I LOVE DANCING! Growing up, dance was a huge part of my life. From class at my dance studio, to The Nutcracker, to my high school’s dance team, I never stopped moving. My dance background definitely gives my performances extra flair because I just love to whip out dance moves on stage! I just can’t help it! I also really enjoy choreographing dances to my music. Being able to share my music through even just a fun dance on TikTok, and then seeing people post videos of themselves doing it, makes me so happy!

If you had an unlimited budget and resources for a music video, what’s the wildest concept you’d want to bring to life?

Oh this is such a great question. If I had an unlimited budget and resources for a music video, I’d probably want to be flying around like Peter Pan while playing guitar.

Picture this: I am wearing the craziest outfit along with crazy makeup, and I’m doing flips mid-air while playing the guitar. Maybe even a giant guitar that I fly around on like a witch on a broomstick. I just love flying.

Love your style! It’s effortlessly bold and unique, and feels like an obvious extension of your music. How do fashion and personal style play into your artistic identity?

Thank you so much! Growing up, I wasn’t able to express myself through fashion very often. I attended Catholic school for 12 years, and had to wear uniforms, which didn’t leave much room for creativity. After graduating from high school, I was finally able to experiment with different styles, clothes, and makeup looks. I love crazy fashion, and I will admit, at first I was a little freaked out about what people would think. I’ve learned not to dress for other people, and to wear what makes my heart happy! When you’re rocking your confidence and happiness, no outfit can look bad!

If “Flavor of the Month” had its own signature dance move, what would it be?

I made a fun little TikTok dance to “Flavor Of The Month!” Its signature dance move is miming that you’re stuck in a box while rocking a crazy look.

@bellebongiorno
get on your best outfit & do my dance! ‘FLAVOR OF THE MONTH’ out EVERYWHERE? #whatsyourflavor #originalmusic #bellebongiorno #belle #girlguitarist #newmusic #wlwguitarist #curlyhair #wlw #pop #fyp? #guitar @cat ??
? Flavor Of The Month by Belle Bongiorno – belle??

What’s next for you? Anything exciting we should keep an eye out for?

I have so much new music coming out! My next single ‘Canon Of Events’ will be out this Valentine’s Day, February 14th, and I’m so excited to share my music with the world!

Thanks for taking the time to talk to me! Is there anything else you’d like to add?

This was awesome, thank you so much! I just want to thank everyone for all of the support. This would not be possible without you! I’m so pumped to share more music with you <3 Most importantly, BE YOU!

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