5 reasons why YouTube star Hailey Knox is poised for pop stardom

Before 17-year-old singer-songwriter Hailey Knox took the stage at her music showcase at the New York City club The Box last month, I caught a glimpse of her in the wings. She seemed nervous, fidgeting with an earring and adjusting the bottom fringe of her shirt — it almost seemed like she wasn't psyched to be there.

Moments later she walked out on stage and greeted the audience with a perfectly goofy yet confident "Well, hey." Immediately, she was in control of the crowd as the most self-assured teenager I have ever seen perform live.

The upstate New York native gained a devoted following after posting her soulful and inventive covers of pop songs online just like her favorite musician, Justin Bieber. And like Bieber, she's hoping to make the transition from viral stardom to pop stardom with her debut EP "A Little Awkward" on S-Curve Records, which drops Friday (June 24). 

Here's what you need to know about the teen singer-songwriter, and why she could be the next big thing in pop music.

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