Ally Brooke

Life and career

1993–2011: Early life and career beginnings

Allyson Brooke Hernandez was born on July 7, 1993, in San Antonio, Texas, where she was raised by parents Jerry Hernandez and Patricia Castillo. She has an older brother, Brandon. Brooke was a 6-week-premature baby, weighing in at one pound and fourteen ounces when she was born. She is of Mexican descent but did not grow up speaking Spanish, as her parents decided to prevent her from being discriminated against in school. Brooke attended Cornerstone Christian Schools for her elementary education in San Antonio, and completed her high school education through home-schooling.[[File:93.3 FLZ Jingle Ball Tampa Florida IMG 6299 (11490093585) (Cropped).jpg|thumb|left|upright|Brooke in 2013|alt=Brooke, in a brown jacket, sings into a microphone.]]

2012–2018: ''The X Factor'' and Fifth Harmony

Main article: Fifth Harmony

Brooke auditioned for The X Factor in Austin, Texas, not far from her hometown in San Antonio, singing "On My Knees" from contemporary Christian and Latin pop singer Jaci Velasquez. For her bootcamp round she sang against Julia Bullock singing "Knockin' on Heaven's Door". She was eliminated during the bootcamp round of competition, but was brought back along with Dinah Jane, Normani, Lauren Jauregui, and Camila Cabello to form the group now known as Fifth Harmony. The group advanced to the live shows and managed to finish in third place. Her grandfather died during the week 4 performance of "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" by Kelly Clarkson.

After the finale of The X Factor, Fifth Harmony was signed to Syco Music and Epic Records. The group released their first extended play (EP), Better Together in 2013, along with the albums Reflection in 2015 and 7/27 in 2016. They released their self-titled third studio album Fifth Harmony on August 25, 2017. On March 19, 2018, the group announced an indefinite hiatus to focus on solo projects.

2017–2020: Solo projects and ''Finding Your Harmony'' memoir

Brooke's first solo project was a feat on American DJ-duo Lost Kings song "Look at Us Now" along with American rapper ASAP Ferg. The song was released on June 9, 2017. In July 2017, she was set to perform a solo show in São Paulo, but the show was cancelled. Brooke joined Plácido Domingo to sing two songs on January 24, 2018, at the Convention Center's Lila Cockrell Theatre in San Antonio, Texas. Brooke collaborated with German DJ Topic for the song "Perfect", released on January 26, 2018, along with its music video. She performed the song during an episode of Wild 'n Out in March 2018.

In early 2018, Brooke joined the other members of Fifth Harmony in an episode of Lip Sync Battle, performing a medley of songs by Selena and Jennifer Lopez. In March 2018, she sang a medley of songs from Oscar-winning films such as "Beauty and the Beast" and "My Heart Will Go On" during the E! News broadcast of the red carpet pre-show of the 90th Academy Awards. On March 12, 2018, Brooke signed with Maverick Entertainment as a solo artist. She appeared in an episode of season 2 of Famous in Love as herself.

In April 2018, Brooke confirmed she is working on her debut solo studio album, with producers 1500 or Nothin'. In August 2018, it was announced that Brooke signed a record deal with Latium Entertainment and Atlantic Records. The company also announced that Brooke would release her debut solo single later in the fall. She debuted a new, Spanish-language song called "Vámonos" at the Fusion Festival in Liverpool, England on September 2, 2018. The song was released on November 23, 2018, as a collaboration with Kris Kross Amsterdam and Messiah; she also performed the song prior to its official release at the 2018 ALMA Awards. Brooke released a cover of "Last Christmas" by Wham! on November 16, 2018, and performed it at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. She then announced her memoir, Finding Your Harmony, which was set to hit bookshelves in April 2019. On December 21, 2018, Brooke released a song called "The Truth Is In There", written by Diane Warren, as part of Weight Watchers International's Wellness That Works campaign.

"Low Key", Brooke's official debut solo single, was released on January 31, 2019. In July 2019, Brooke said the goal was to release her debut album in spring of 2020. In May 2019, Brooke released the single "Lips Don't Lie" featuring rapper A Boogie wit da Hoodie.

In September 2019, Brooke performed the opening theme song to Nickelodeon's The Casagrandes, a spin-off of The Loud House in which she also plays the fictional popstar Alisa Barela. She released the song and music video for the single "Higher" with Matoma in September 2019. From September to November 2019, Brooke competed on the 28th season of Dancing with the Stars, finishing in third place. Brooke danced to her own song "Higher" while on Dancing with the Stars, where she received her first perfect score from the judges. In November, Brooke released the single "No Good". On December 8, 2019, she opened the Miss Universe beauty pageant, performing a medley of her singles and a Selena tribute with "I Could Fall in Love" and "Dreaming of You".

In January 2020, she announced her Time To Shine Tour on social media with shows in North America, which kicked off on March 6, 2020, in Chicago, IL at the House of Blues. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tour was cancelled until further notice. On February 21, 2020, Dutch producer Afrojack released the song "All Night", featuring Brooke as the song's vocalist. A week later, on February 28, Brooke released the promotional single "Fabulous" alongside only a lyric video on YouTube. On April 3, she was featured along with rapper Gashi on Florian Picasso's song "Like You Do".

In May 2020, Brooke revealed the cover of her upcoming memoir, Finding Your Harmony. On July 17, Brooke released her first Spanglish single "500 Veces", with Dominican rapper Messiah, featuring Latin trap beats. She collaborated once more with Afrojack in her own single, "What Are We Waiting For?", released on October 16. The week after, on October 23, Dutch DJ Fedde Le Grand released the song "Gatekeeper" with Brooke. On October 29, Brooke released her first original Christmas single "Baby I'm Coming Home". On November 13, Joe Stone released "Feeling Dynamite" with Brooke. She featured on Laidback Luke's song "Dance It Off", released on December 4. Finding Your Harmony was released on October 13, 2020. The memoir covers aspects of her life, including her childhood and her rise as a solo artist. In August 2020, Brooke stated she wants to release an album in the future but is taking her time, and that it could be released in 2021. Brooke was cast in the film High Expectations, playing the role of "Sofia".

2021–2022: New labels and unreleased Spanish album

In August 2021, Brooke signed a joint record deal with indie labels Duars Entertainment and AMSI, becoming the first female artist signed to either company. She was featured on the song "Break" by the band Santana, which was included on their album Blessings and Miracles released on October 15.

In October 2021, Brooke spoke to magazine ¡Hola! about her debut album, revealing that it would be an entirely Spanish-language album. She then teased the single "Mi Música" (Eng. "My Music"), her first fully Spanish solo song, on Twitter, set to be released on October 22, with the teaser "Out of the darkness and into the light". Brooke released "Mi Música" as the lead single from her debut solo album of the same name, alongside its music video.

On January 28, 2022, Brooke released the song "Por Ti" (Eng. "For You"), along with its music video, as the second single from the album. On March 15, she released "High Expectations", the theme song from the upcoming film. "Tequila", the third single from the album, was released on March 24. She featured on the song "Ella Estuvo Aqui", by American singer Crystal Lewis, a Spanish-language cover version of Lewis's own "She Was Here", which featured singer Tori Kelly. American DJ Deorro released the song "La Cita" (Eng. "The Date"), featuring Brooke, as part of his album Orro. She appeared on the song "High Fashion Drugs (Remix)", with American rapper Nessly, producer Dekay, and recording artist 1Da Banton.

2023–present: Collaborations and ''Under the Tree''

Brooke released the single "Gone to Bed" on September 29, 2023, as her first release under a new deal with Snafu Records. The song marked a return to pop music for Brooke after experimenting with other genres for several years.

On December 1, 2023, Brooke released her holiday extended play Under the Tree. Included on the EP's reissue was a new version of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" with her Fifth Harmony bandmate Dinah Jane. The song marked the first musical collaboration between any members of the girlband since their 2018 hiatus. The duo performed the song together on The Kelly Clarkson Show on December 21, 2023.

Brooke released the collaboration "Alone with You" with Jim Brickman on February 9, 2024. Written by Diane Warren, the song served as the second single from Brickman's album Because You Loved Me: Diane Warren Re-Imagined.

Personal life

Brooke is a Christian and had stated that she would remain a virgin until marriage. In 2018, Brooke said that she had a Spanish tutor.

Brooke has cited Selena as her greatest influence.

On December 18, 2023, Brooke and her longtime boyfriend Will Bracey got engaged in New York City. Bracey proposed at a New York City art gallery night with a ring designed in Turkey by a private jeweler, according to a press release. The couple were married on May 3, 2025.

Philanthropy

With Fifth Harmony, Brooke was involved with charities DoSomething.org and the Ryan Seacrest Foundation. She has also participated in activities by the ASPCA. Brooke is the Celebrity Ambassador for March of Dimes, a nonprofit organization working to prevent premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality. In December 2016, she took part in a toy drive in her hometown, San Antonio, benefiting children at local hospitals.

Discography

Main article: Ally Brooke discography

Extended play (EP)

• Under the Tree (2023)

Filmography

Awards and nominations

Tours

Headlining

• Time to Shine Tour (2020; cancelled)

Notes

References

References

1. Milano, Brett. (6 March 2020). "It's Ally Brooke's 'Time to Shine'". Boston Herald.
2. Caporimo, Alison. (February 19, 2019). "11 Fun Ally Brooke Facts That'll Make You Love Her Even More". [[Seventeen (American magazine).
3. Calvario, Liz. (October 10, 2018). "Ally Brooke Is 'Ready to Shatter the Glass' Ceiling with Solo Career (Exclusive)". [[Entertainment Tonight]].
4. (May 29, 2013). "This is my wonderful brother, Brandon. I miss him so much!He's the best brother in the world Love & miss you Bobo".
5. (June 19, 2015). "Happy birthday to my incredible brother Brandon! Brother I can't thank God enough for you. You are always there for me and always support me no matter what.".
6. Atkinson, Katie. (November 20, 2015). "Fifth Harmony's Ally Brooke Brings Awareness to Premature Birth to 'Save Little Babies Like Me'".
7. (August 6, 2013). "S.A. Singer realizes 'dream': A hometown concert". mySA.
8. Huerta, Heidi. (October 13, 2015). "9 Latino Chart-Toppers You Probably Didn't Know Were Latino". [[MTV News]].
9. Jakle, Jeanne. (August 7, 2013). "S.A. singer realizes 'dream': a hometown concert". [[San Antonio Express-News]].
10. Cubria, Kaitlin. (May 24, 2015). "The Truth Behind Fifth Harmony's Auditions on The X Factor". teen.com.
11. Kissick, Dean. (June 5, 2016). "Fifth Harmony". Wonderland Magazine.
12. Oldenburg, Ann. (December 20, 2012). "'X Factor' crowns Season 2 winner". [[USA Today]].
13. Harp, Justin. (May 18, 2016). "'It's More Personal to Us Now': Inside Fifth Harmony's Second Act". [[Fuse (TV channel).
14. Kaufman, Gil. (March 19, 2018). "Fifth Harmony Announce Hiatus to Pursue Solo Careers".
15. (June 8, 2017). "Ally Brooke Shines on Lost Kings' Fiery "Look at Us Now"".
16. (February 2, 2018). "Ally Brooke of Fifth Harmony to perform in solo show in Brazil".
17. Madalyn Mendoza. (January 24, 2018). "Ally Brooke promotes her upcoming San Antonio show with 'legendary' Placido Domingo". MySA.com.
18. Nicholas Rice. (January 24, 2018). "Fifth Harmony's Ally Brooke Releasing Debut Solo Single 'Perfect,' Collab With Topic".
19. Topic. (February 2, 2018). "Topic & Ally Brooke – Perfect (Official Music Video)". YouTube.com.
20. "Ally Brooke Gives a Heartwarming Performance of 'Perfect' on 'Wild 'N Out': Watch".
21. (February 2, 2018). "Fifth Harmony Members Become Their Idols on Intense 'Lip Sync Battle'".
22. "Ally Brooke Performs Stunning Rendition of 'My Heart Will Go On'". MTV.
23. (March 12, 2018). "Fifth Harmony's Ally Brooke Signs With Britney Spears Manager Larry Rudolph (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety.
24. (March 19, 2018). "Here's how Fifth Harmony worked together to set up solo success for its members". Los Angeles Times.
25. Jackson, Dory. (April 23, 2018). "What Is Ally Brooke Doing Now? Singer Talks Life After Fifth Harmony". Newsweek.
26. Halperin, Shirley. (August 28, 2018). "Fifth Harmony's Ally Brooke Lands Deal at Atlantic Records". Variety.
27. "Ally Brooke Makes Live Solo Debut With 'Vámonos' at Fusion Fest: Watch".
28. (November 23, 2018). "Ally Brooke Releases 'Vámonos' With Kriss Kross Amsterdam and Messiah".
29. (November 5, 2018). "Ally Brooke Brings "Vámonos" To The 2018 ALMA Awards". [[Idolator (website).
30. (November 16, 2018). "Ally Brooke Covers the Wham! Classic 'Last Christmas': Listen".
31. Bajgrowicz, Brooke. (2018-11-15). "Ally Brooke Prepping 'Finding Your Harmony' Memoir".
32. (January 17, 2019). "The Post-Fifth Harmony Power Rankings". [[Stereogum]].
33. (December 20, 2018). "Ally Brooke Partners With WW For New Campaign and Song". [[KIIS-FM]].
34. (January 30, 2019). "Ally Brooke - Low Key feat. Tyga". [[The Official Big Top 40]].
35. (January 31, 2019). "Ally Brooke Unveils Debut Solo Single 'Low Key' Featuring Tyga: Watch".
36. Mier, Tomás. (July 26, 2019). "Ally Brooke Drops Acoustic Version of 'Lips Don't Lie' and Reveals Book and Album Details".
37. (May 24, 2019). "Ally Brooke Puckers Up In 'Lips Don't Lie' Video With A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie". MTV.
38. (September 13, 2019). "ALLY BROOKE ON REPRESENTING MEXICAN-AMERICANS IN 'THE CASAGRANDES'". [[¡Hola!]].
39. (2021-07-21). "Ally Brooke Explains Why She Relates to Her Pop Star Character on 'The Casagrandes'".
40. Jones, Marcus. (2019-09-16). "Ally Brooke goes 'Higher' before her 'Dancing With the Stars' debut in new music video".
41. Thorbecke, Catherine. (August 21, 2019). "''Dancing With the Stars'' 2019: Hannah Brown, Karamo Brown, Lamar Odom and more to compete on new season". [[Good Morning America]].
42. Montgomery, Daniel. (November 25, 2019). "'Dancing with the Stars' Finale recap: Who won the Mirror Ball Trophy at the end of topsy-turvy season 28?". [[Gold Derby]].
43. Drysdale, Jennifer. (2019-11-04). "'DWTS': Ally Brooke Breaks Down In Tears Over First Perfect Score".
44. (November 25, 2019). "Ally Brooke Takes a Disco Spin All by Herself on Funky 'No Good': Listen".
45. (December 9, 2019). "Ally Brooke Performs Selena Tribute At 2019 Miss Universe Pageant: Watch".
46. Brooke, Ally. (2020-01-18). "Who purchased their tickets and VIP yesterday!? #TimeToShineTourpic.twitter.com/o4pyTANwka".
47. (2020-01-14). "Ally Brooke Announces Time to Shine Tour Dates: See Them Here".
48. Smith, Morgan. (2020-05-29). "Ally Brooke Announces New Memoir 'Finding Your Harmony': 'I Am Opening Up in Ways I Never Have'".
49. "Finding Your Harmony – Ally Brooke – Hardcover". HarperCollins Publishers: World-Leading Book Publisher.
50. (August 17, 2020). "Estilo DF Ally Brooke". EstiloDF.
51. (September 24, 2020). "Fifth Harmony's Ally Brooke to Star in First Film, 'High Expectations'". Variety.
52. Cobo, Leila. (August 16, 2021). "Ally Brooke to Release Spanish Album Via Joint Latin Label Deal".
53. (2021-08-11). "EXCLUSIVE: Ally Brooke is back, ready to show the world an album that represents her true identity and culture".
54. "Mí Musica - Friday".
55. "Ally Brooke Returns With New Track 'Gone to Bed'".
56. (November 30, 2023). "'We Were Unstoppable': Fifth Harmony's Ally Brooke and Dinah Jane on Reuniting for Holiday Single".
57. "Ally Brooke & Dinah Jane Perform 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas' On The Kelly Clarkson Show".
58. "Alone with You - Single by Jim Brickman, Ally Brooke".
59. "Ally Brooke Returns With New Track 'Gone to Bed'".
60. "Because You Loved Me: Diane Warren Re-Imagined - Album by Jim Brickman".
61. (July 12, 2017). "How Fifth Harmony Moved On and Took Control of Their Music: 'The Fans Are Our Fifth Member".
62. Cooper, Mariah. (October 2, 2020). "Fifth Harmony's Ally Brooke Reveals She's Still a Virgin at Age 27: 'I've Never Felt Any Pressure'". [[Us Weekly]].
63. (26 October 2020). "Ex-Fifth Harmony singer Ally Brooke fears she will 'die a virgin".
64. Pham, Jason. (2018). "Fifth Harmony's Ally Brooke on Her Last Name & Why She Wasn't Raised Speaking Spanish". Style Caster.
65. Diaz, Thatiana. (January 24, 2018). "Ally Brooke on Fifth Harmony's Future and Her Latina Roots". [[People (magazine).
66. "Ally Brooke Is Engaged to Longtime Boyfriend Will Bracey: 'The Best Day of My Life' (Exclusive)".
67. (29 May 2025). "5-3-25".
68. (July 8, 2014). "DoSomething.org and Fifth Harmony Join Forces for the #ImABoss Campaign". [[PR Newswire]].
69. (August 8, 2014). "Fifth Harmony Makes Their Third Visit To Seacrest Studios!". RYAN SEACREST FOUNDATION.
70. "I just signed the pledge to adopt my next pet!". ASPCA.
71. (April 18, 2016). "Singer Ally Brooke Of Fifth Harmony Helps Lead Nationwide March For Babies". [[March of Dimes]].
72. Saldana, Hector. (December 24, 2016). "Fifth Harmony singer in town for toy drive, meet 'n' greet". [[San Antonio Express-News]].
73. (August 3, 2018). "'Sugar' Trailer: Watch Maroon 5, Snoop Dogg, Charlie Puth and More Surprise the 'Most-Deserving Fans'".
74. (October 9, 2017). "Jay Kay and Top Songwriters Honored at 2017 BMI London Awards". [[Broadcast Music, Inc.]].
75. (May 8, 2018). "Mark Ronson Receives the BMI Champion Award at the 66th BMI Pop Awards". BMI.com.
76. (March 14, 2019). "Here Are All the Winners From the iHeartRadio Music Awards 2019".
77. (June 22, 2018). "Selena Gomez and Cardi B lead second wave of Teen Choice Awards music nominees". ABC News.