Summerfest Artist Spotlight: Haley Johnsen brings soul, pop and power to the Big Backyard

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- From the West Coast to Milwaukee's lakefront, Haley Johnsen is ready to light up Summerfest with a warm voice that blends soul, alt-pop and Americana. 

CBS 58's Alex Corradetti spoke with the Oregon-based singer-songwriter. Johnsen will perform on the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard Stage, bringing her powerhouse vocals and genre-blending sound to the city’s biggest summer celebration. We learned she also has a fun tie to Milwaukee. 

“I actually live in a town called Milwaukee—just 15 minutes outside of Portland, Oregon,” Johnsen said with a laugh. “People are always surprised when I say that," said Johnsen. 

Johnsen’s musical journey is far from ordinary. She gained national attention on the hit show American Idol, but since then, she’s carved her own path—releasing original music, touring internationally, and evolving her sound with every project.

This year marks a return to Summerfest for Johnsen, who previously performed in 2021 as part of the electronic project Big Wild. Now back with her solo work, she says this performance feels especially meaningful.

“It's such a gift to be able to come and play Summerfest, I am really excited," said Johnsen. 

Her latest release, the EP Late Bloomer, reflects on the personal and professional growth she’s experienced over the last decade.

"It’s been an incredible decade of music since being off of American Idol,” she said. “That was the catalyst of my music career. But since then, I’ve had the opportunity to tour the world with my own music. I’ve had a couple records. I was the bassist for Big Wild for a couple years. So—it’s been an incredible journey. I love it, and I would not trade it for anything else," explained Johnsen. 

Even with her experience, the excitement of performing live never wears off.

“Oh man, I'm excited—and I am nervous. It's a big deal; it's a huge festival. It feels like playing at home, honestly. I probably get more nervous for stuff like this [interviews]," she laughed. “But the nerves have subsided. It’s more of an adrenaline rush that I kind of chase at this point.”

Johnsen is also hard at work on new music—a collaboration album with producer Pete Campbell, along with more live releases and a busy summer of performances.

"I'm just planning on playing a bunch of shows this summer and just writing some new tunes and getting another record out,” she said. “That’s what we’re always doing—just onto the next," said Johnsen. 

You can catch Haley Johnsen live at Summerfest on Saturday, June 21st at 2 p.m. on the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard Stage.