Bronze Avery: From Resilience to Stardom in the Billboard NXT Competition

B ronze Avery, born Gabriel Brown, is a multi-talented artist whose journey to stardom is a testament to perseverance, authenticity, and unyielding passion for music. As the winner of Billboard’s first-ever NXT competition, Avery has cemented his place in the music industry. His path, however, has not been without challenges, as he navigated setbacks, self-doubt, and a relentless series of rejections to ultimately find his voice and purpose.

Growing up in a Navy family in Orlando, Florida, Avery exhibited a natural affinity for music from a young age. He honed his skills in choral music and musical theater, developing an extraordinary vocal range by the age of 12. A pivotal moment came when his single mother invested her tax return in a computer for him, enabling Avery to explore music production and self-recording. Under the moniker Bronze Avery, he began writing and producing songs in his teens, showcasing a precocious talent that would lay the foundation for his career.

Despite his undeniable abilities, Avery faced numerous obstacles breaking into the music industry. Moving to Los Angeles in 2018, he tirelessly sent out emails and sought exposure, often to no avail. Yet, his determination never faltered. He embraced TikTok as a platform to share his creative process, producing impromptu melodies and choruses from his couch. His authenticity and vulnerability resonated with followers, shifting his focus from creating what he thought people wanted to hear to expressing his raw, personal experiences. This honest approach not only strengthened his connection with fans but also helped him find clarity in his artistry.

Avery’s breakthrough came through Billboard’s NXT competition, a platform leveraging TikTok to discover unsigned talent. Throughout the weeks-long contest, Avery showcased his versatility and magnetism, consistently placing in the top three. In the December finale, he impressed both fans and celebrity mentors, including Charli XCX and 24kGoldn, with a cover of Charli XCX’s “Good Ones” and an original breakup anthem, “Pitch Black.” His performances, marked by charisma, vocal prowess, and fearless emotionality, earned him the coveted title.

Winning the competition was a moment of validation for Avery, rewarding years of hard work and self-belief. It affirmed his choice to pursue music, despite the uncertainties of the industry. Avery credits his success to his unwavering commitment to authenticity, both as an artist and as a person. His music, which spans genres like R&B, pop, and hyperpop, often explores themes of love, identity, and emotional liberation.

Beyond the competition, Avery’s work embodies a larger mission: to create space for queer Black artists in the music industry. He acknowledges the scarcity of representation and is determined to pave the way for others to follow. His latest project, HIDDEN PPL, exemplifies this ethos. By distorting his natural singing voice and embracing experimental production, Avery crafts music that is both innovative and deeply personal, offering fans a sense of connection and visibility.

Looking ahead, Avery’s ambitions extend far beyond his current achievements. As the winner of NXT, he has secured studio time and resources to record a single and produce a music video, along with tickets to the Billboard Music Awards. He is also working on his debut album, which promises to tackle stereotype-defying themes of love and resilience. Avery remains committed to challenging conventions and expressing the complexities of human experience through his music.

Bronze Avery’s journey is a story of triumph over adversity, fueled by talent, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose. By staying true to himself, he has not only carved out his own path but also inspired countless others to embrace their unique voices. As he continues to evolve as an artist, Avery’s future is as bright as his belief in the transformative power of music.