Halsey's Role in A Star Is Born
Halsey joined the 2018 remake of A Star Is Born as a supporting actress and recording artist. She performed original songs, contributed to the soundtrack, and appeared in key dramatic and musical moments. This overview explains who she was in the film, what she sang, and how her involvement fit into her broader career.
Character and On-Screen Role
Halsey played herself in a brief but noticeable appearance during the film's concert sequences. She performed alongside Bradley Cooper's character, Jackson Maine, in the fictional festival performances. Her role was not a scripted narrative part but a cameo-style integration that used her real-life persona to heighten the story's authenticity. She did not play a named fictional character; instead, she appeared as an extension of her public music identity within the movie's world.
Key Performance Scenes
Her most prominent scenes include live concert performances featured in the movie's festival storylines, where her vocals and stage presence supported the film's themes of fame and artistic pressure. These sequences were shot as real recordings, giving them a grounded, documentary-like quality. She also participated in recording sessions for the film's soundtrack, contributing both background and lead vocal elements to specific tracks.
Songs Performed in A Star Is Born
Halsey contributed vocally to the film's soundtrack and performed several live pieces shown on screen. While not all songs were released as singles, her vocal work is documented in the official soundtrack listing and production notes.
| Song | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shallow (live festival version) | Performance | Appears in the film's festival sequence; often referenced alongside the main soundtrack version |
| Without Me (film version) | Performed/Adapted | Included in the film's festival and concert scenes |
| Halo (cover) | Cover/Recording | Appears on the official soundtrack with her vocal contribution |
| Control | Recording | Featured in the soundtrack album with partial vocal work |
| Finally // beautiful stranger | Soundtrack track | Co-written and performed by Halsey for the film |
Career Impact and Public Profile
A Star Is Alive heightened Halsey's visibility beyond streaming platforms and radio, placing her in a cinematic context. The film introduced her to audiences who may not have been familiar with her catalog, reinforcing her status as a serious recording artist capable of cross-media work. Her vocal performances and the soundtrack presence added a new dimension to her public narrative, emphasizing her versatility and willingness to take on unconventional roles.
Behind-the-Scenes and Production Context
Halsey worked with the film's music team to integrate her recordings into the storyline. Her festival performances were real concert recordings, aligning with the movie's documentary-inspired style. She collaborated closely on vocal arrangements to ensure her contributions matched the raw, live aesthetic of the film. Production notes indicate her involvement was primarily as a featured performer rather than an actor in a written dramatic role.
Public and Critical Reception
Response to Halsey's appearance was generally positive, with critics noting her strong vocal delivery and comfortable screen presence. Many highlighted her festival scenes as memorable moments that enhanced the movie's depiction of modern celebrity. While her role was not central to the plot, her participation was seen as a successful blend of music and cinema, leveraging her real-world popularity to enrich the story's portrayal of fame.