If you spent any time on the internet in 2017, you definitely saw a tiny nine-year-old girl with a massive voice absolutely floor the judges on America’s Got Talent. That was Angelica Hale. She didn't just sing; she blew the roof off the place with "Rise Up." Most people still think of her as that little kid from Georgia who nearly won the whole thing, but a lot has happened since then. She’s eighteen now. Seriously. Time is weird. While her singing is obviously her main thing, Angelica Hale movies and tv shows have become a much bigger part of her resume than people realize. She isn't just a reality TV contestant anymore—she's a working actress, a voice talent, and a Broadway performer.
The Reality TV Roots Everyone Remembers
We have to start with the big one. America’s Got Talent Season 12 is where the world first met her. She ended up as the runner-up to ventriloquist Darci Lynne, which is honestly impressive considering the level of competition that year. But what’s actually crazy is that she came back for America’s Got Talent: The Champions in 2019 and made history. How? She became the first-ever contestant to get two Golden Buzzers. Howie Mandel was the one who hit it for her the second time after she performed "Fight Song."
It’s easy to dismiss child stars from these shows, but Angelica used that platform as a literal springboard. She didn't just go home and wait for the phone to ring. She was everywhere for a minute—the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, NFL games, and even Little Big Shots with Steve Harvey.
Honestly, it's the variety of her appearances that’s interesting. You’ll see her name pop up in the credits of random specials like A Capitol Fourth on PBS or guest spots on game shows. It wasn't just about singing "Girl on Fire" for the millionth time; it was about building a brand before she was even old enough to drive.
Breaking Into the Movies: American Reject
A lot of fans don't actually know she’s been in a "real" movie. In 2022, she made her film debut in American Reject. It’s a bit of a meta-project if you think about it. The movie follows a girl who gets kicked off a massive singing competition (sound familiar?) and has to deal with the aftermath of reality TV fame.
Angelica plays a character named Anna.
She’s not just a cameo, either. She actually had to act. She filmed it in New Orleans back when she was around eleven or twelve, though it didn't hit screens until a few years later. Working alongside veterans like Connie Ray and Mary Birdsong was a huge step for her. In interviews, she’s mentioned that the hardest part was the prep work—getting into the head of a character rather than just being "Angelica the singer."
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It’s a small indie film, sure, but it proved she could hold her own on a set. It wasn't just a gimmick. She had to learn lines, hit marks, and do all the tedious stuff that comes with a film production. If you’re looking for her on streaming services, this is usually the first scripted credit that pops up.
The Secret World of Voice Acting
This is where things get really cool. While she’s got a face for the camera, her voice is her most bankable asset, and Disney noticed. Angelica has been carving out a solid niche in animation.
Have you heard of T.O.T.S.? It stands for Tiny Ones Transport Service. It’s a Disney Junior show about storks delivering babies. Angelica voiced a polar bear named Peggy. It’s adorable, obviously. But she didn't stop there. She also landed a series-regular role as Tai in the Chuggington reboot. For a young artist, getting a "series regular" credit is a massive deal for the bank account and the resume.
Then there’s Maya Unstoppable. She voiced the titular character in that animated series.
- Peggy the Polar Bear (T.O.T.S.)
- Tai (Chuggington)
- Maya (Maya Unstoppable)
Voice acting is a different beast entirely. You can't rely on your facial expressions; everything has to be in the inflection. The fact that she’s jumping between Disney projects suggests she’s got a good reputation in the booths at Burbank.
Broadway and the Move to the Stage
Now, let's talk about the most recent "big thing." As of late 2023 and leading into 2025-2026, Angelica has officially hit the "Great Bright Way." She was cast in BOOP! The Musical.
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She plays Trisha, a teenage artist and cosplayer who is obsessed with Betty Boop. The show did a pre-Broadway run in Chicago at the CIBC Theatre before making the jump to Broadway in April 2025. This is a huge pivot. Broadway is grueling. It’s eight shows a week. It requires a level of vocal stamina that even most AGT finalists don't have.
By taking on a role like Trisha, she’s basically saying she’s done with the "child star" label. She’s a theatre professional now.
Why Her Filmography Matters
When people search for Angelica Hale movies and tv shows, they’re usually expecting a list of Disney Channel original movies. The reality is more nuanced. She’s chosen a path that's a mix of voice work, indie film, and high-end musical theatre.
It’s a smart move.
The "reality TV curse" is real. Most kids who do well on those shows vanish after six months. Angelica has stayed relevant by diversifying. She isn't just waiting for a record label to tell her what to do; she’s auditioning for roles that require actual skill.
One thing people often get wrong is thinking she's just a "guest star." While she does a lot of guest appearances (like on Jeopardy! or various holiday specials), her voice acting roles are consistent work.
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What to Watch Right Now
If you want to see the range of her work, you sort of have to look in different corners of the internet.
- For the "Pure Talent" Vibe: Go back to the America's Got Talent YouTube channel. Her 2017 audition and her 2019 "Fight Song" performance are essential viewing.
- For Scripted Acting: Look for American Reject on digital on-demand platforms. It’s the best way to see her acting skills in a non-musical context.
- For the Kids: If you have younger siblings or children, fire up T.O.T.S. on Disney+. You’ll hear her as Peggy.
Angelica is also very active on YouTube and social media, which is basically its own "show" these days. She documents a lot of her "Adventures with a Purpose," which ties into her work as an ambassador for the National Kidney Foundation and the Sepsis Alliance. It’s worth noting that her life story—surviving sepsis and needing a kidney transplant at age four—is the subtext for almost everything she does. It makes her performance in things like American Reject feel a bit more grounded.
Future Projects to Track
Keep an eye on the Broadway casting calls. BOOP! The Musical is her current home, but with her voice, it's highly likely we'll see her attached to a major Disney or DreamWorks animated feature soon. There have been whispers about more film roles, but she tends to keep her cards close to her chest until the contracts are signed.
Honestly, the transition from "Golden Buzzer kid" to "Broadway actress" is one of the hardest jumps to make in Hollywood. Most people fail. Angelica seems to be doing it with a lot of grace.
If you’re trying to keep up with her career, the best next step is to follow the Broadway production schedules for 2026. Since she's now eighteen, she's eligible for more "adult" roles in film and television, which opens up a lot of doors that were closed when she was just the "cute kid who sings loud." Check out her performance clips from the Chicago run of BOOP! to see how much her voice has matured—it’s actually kind of startling how much deeper and more controlled it is compared to her AGT days.
Actionable Insight: If you're looking for her filmography on sites like IMDb, search for her voice credits specifically. Many fans miss her work in Chuggington and T.O.T.S. because they are looking for live-action roles, but her voice work is actually where she has the most consistent "screen time" over the last five years. Keep an eye on the 2026 Broadway season updates for her latest stage credits.