Victoria Monét's Daughter Becomes Youngest Grammy Nominee in History
Victoria Monét, the talented singer and songwriter, made headlines as her 2-year-old daughter, Hazel, became the youngest person to ever receive a Grammy nomination. As the excitement builds for the Grammy Awards, Monét reveals that Hazel has a sense of the remarkable achievement.
While speaking to PEOPLE at the pre-Grammys Gala, Monét shares that although Hazel may not fully grasp the magnitude of the nomination, she does understand that something special has happened. Monét eagerly looks forward to explaining the significance of Hazel's nomination to her as she grows older, hoping to one day share a Grammy adorned with her daughter's name.
With seven nominations under her belt at this year's ceremony, including best traditional R&B performance for her song 'Hollywood,' featuring Hazel and Earth, Wind & Fire, Monét's love for music is deeply intertwined with her mother-daughter bond.
Throughout her pregnancy, Monét would play music to Hazel while she was still in the womb. She mentions working on a project called 'A Jaguar Christmas: The Orchestral Arrangements,' where she used headphones to play music for Hazel. Even before Hazel's birth, there was one particular song, 'My Girl' by the Temptations, that Monét played for her. Remarkably, it became the only song that could lull Hazel to sleep, serving as her familiar white noise. Music has undeniably been a part of Hazel's life since her time as a fetus.
Reflecting on her nominations and Hazel's nod in an interview with PEOPLE, Monét expresses her excitement and gratitude. She recognizes the significance of this achievement as a moment of triumph, especially considering the initial fears she faced during pregnancy. Despite the discouragement she received about the potential impact on her career, Monét overjoyed that what was once seen as a fearful moment ended up being one of the best moments in her career. She humbly accepts these accolades on behalf of her daughter and cherishes this magical experience.
Balancing her career and motherhood has presented Monét with considerable challenges. Describing it as 'the hardest thing to do,' she likens it to being in Cirque du Soleil. To maintain balance, Monét finds solace in incorporating Hazel into her professional life. Whether it's bringing Hazel to shows, the studio, or events, Monét appreciates the opportunity to merge her two worlds. This way, she feels fully present and avoids feeling torn between her personal and professional responsibilities.
Furthermore, Monét acknowledges her boyfriend, John Gaines, Hazel's father and a fitness trainer, as a tremendous support system. She praises him as a 'great dad' and emphasizes how his involvement relieves some of the burdens, especially when she's consumed with work. Monét also credits her team for helping her navigate the complexities of juggling a flourishing career and being a dedicated mother.
As the Grammy Awards draw near, all eyes are on the remarkable achievement of Victoria Monét's young daughter, Hazel. This historic nomination is undoubtedly a significant milestone in the music industry, and it serves as a testament to the power of pursuing dreams fearlessly, even in the face of uncertainty. Hazel's journey is a reminder that no matter how young or old we are, we can make an indelible mark on the world.