Regardless of the numerous chart-topping hits that Halsey composes, she may never escape the moment when she performed a Blink-182 song at her local mall, a nostalgic memory that has become a significant part of her story.
During her recent appearance on Owen Thiele’s In Your Dreams podcast, the pop sensation reminisced about the viral moment from her teenage years, which fans have affectionately dubbed “Mallsey.” This playful term represents the lightheartedness and charm of her early career, showcasing how a simple moment can resonate deeply with her audience.
Halsey offered a thoughtful piece of advice to those aspiring to achieve viral fame, stating, “A word of caution to those seeking virality is that, when you’re trying anything hoping one thing will go, you don’t get to decide what that one thing is.” She further elaborated, “And that one thing might define you forever.” This reflection emphasizes the unpredictability of fame and how a single moment can have lasting implications on an artist’s identity.
Continuing her narrative, Halsey acknowledged that one significant milestone in her career will likely remain her chart-topping single “Without Me,” which she proudly refers to as “one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written.” However, she candidly remarked, “I sang at the mall once when I was a kid, and everyone will remember that until I die, probably.” This statement highlights the balance artists must strike between their artistic evolution and the moments that define their public personas.
Elaborating on the context behind the now-iconic “Mallsey” clip, Halsey shared, “Here’s the thing that sucks about it, right? I was starting to get really popular on Tumblr, and this was the time when everyone was doing meet-ups. … You didn’t have to do anything, you didn’t have to have a talent. It didn’t matter. You were just big on the internet.” This insight provides a glimpse into the early days of social media fame and the unique dynamics that defined her rise to popularity.
At the urging of her Tumblr followers, Halsey decided to host her very first impromptu meet-up at Pennsylvania’s King of Prussia Mall. “I went and met all these fans,” she recounted. “It was the first time I’d ever met a fan before, and they were like, ‘Will you sing?’ and I was like, I never sang outside of my bedroom before.” This experience underscores the excitement and nervousness that often accompany initial encounters between artists and their fans, revealing the authenticity that has endeared her to her audience.
Put on the spot during this memorable meet-up, she bravely performed an a cappella rendition of Blink-182’s 2004 classic “I Miss You,” complete with Tom DeLonge’s distinctive vocal nuances. This spontaneous performance was captured on video by an enthusiastic fan, and consequently, the moment became a significant part of Internet history, illustrating how unexpected events can lead to enduring fame.
Throughout the remainder of the interview, Halsey confirmed that she is currently in the process of creating new music, which will serve as a follow-up to her anticipated 2024 album, The Great Impersonator. She also shared a humorous anecdote about her mother’s reaction to her sudden rise to fame during her early Tumblr days, adding a personal touch to the conversation that fans can relate to.
In an exciting development, Halsey recently collaborated with Evanescence frontwoman Amy Lee on their new single “Hand That Feeds.” This partnership showcases the artist’s versatility and willingness to explore new musical avenues, further solidifying her position in the ever-evolving landscape of pop music.
To catch Halsey’s full discussion and insights, be sure to watch her complete interview on In Your Dreams below.
