The story is based on actress Kathleen Elizabeth Monteleone’s own experience on a singing competition.
In the film, Monteleone’s character Kay has just been kicked off “Pop Star Now!”
and must return back to reality in her hometown.
With Kay feeling publicly humiliated, she decides to continue to chase after her dream of singing.
On set, Hale was fan-girling, too.
Why Angelica Hale wanted to star in American Reject
Have you always aspired to act?
How did you get involved with “American Reject”?
Yes, I have always.
I’ve been acting since I was younger, but I started singing first.
I’m really excited.
What made you want to be a part of this story?
When I found out I got the role, I was like, “Wow.”
I was so shocked.
[Laughs] I was so excited.
I was raring to go.
I couldn’t wait to start filming.
My first time on set, I will never forget that.
That was such an amazing experience.
It was really surreal.
It’s amazing getting When I met them, I was like, “Oh, my gosh.”
[Laughs]
Were people just breaking out in song on set?
I feel like that’d be so much fun.
[Laughs] Yes, actually I remember we were having such an awesome time.
Also, [Keala]’s such an amazing person and an amazing singer.
Out of your castmates, I know that you had met Billy Ray Cyrus a few years ago.
What was it like to finally be working with him now?
I was really shocked.
Long time, no see."
Seeing him again was really awesome.
[It’s] the iconic Billy Ray Cyrus, am I right?
Is there a moment in this movie that you related to the most?
Every take felt like the best take.
Going back to that, it was so surreal at the moment, and I will never forget that.
The cool part is that I could do it over and over again, so that was pretty cool.
You got your 15 minutes of fame, and you got to know what to do with that.
It felt like there was no hope for her, even though she had everything in her grasp.
I came out as runner-up.
I was extremely grateful to be a part of the project, and it’s funny.
It can go different ways, and you see a good side, and you see a bad side.
“American Reject” does an amazing job of showing the harsh reality of it, sometimes.
In the performance and entertainment business, you never know.
Since the pandemic hit, I haven’t been traveling much anymore.
I’ve adjusted to doing live streams and doing a bunch of stuff at home.
That’s one of the most important things.
Did you ever have an experience like that on “America’s Got Talent”?
[Laughs] Yes.
and Heidi [Klum], those words, they stuck with me.
Man, those moments and being on the set for “American Reject” are core memories for sure.
[Laughs]
I have to know now, what did Billy Ray Cyrus tell you?
We were talking about the ups and downs of the business.
It’s awesome that my dad stuck with me throughout my “AGT” run.
He was the one managing all my stuff with business and stuff.
I’m so happy that my parents, my family, were along with me for the ride.
I think family is very important.
We were talking about that, and he applauded dad for that.
That was when you were really introduced to the world.
My life has changed tremendously, but all in awesome ways.
I really want to do this for the rest of my life.
Creating music is my passion and being able to produce and do all that.
I never would’ve imagined doing all that when I was younger.
I remember going on Facebook and YouTube and seeing the numbers go up.
What a ride it’s been.
Honestly, I wouldn’t change anything.
I wish I could have told myself before I did my final performance.
I was so nerve wracked, but I made the most of that moment.
You are awesome."
What did I do wrong?"
I wish I could have gone back and said, “Good job.
Now take a rest.
You did amazing.”
You always gotta remember to do that.
I feel like with live performances, that would be even more nerve-wracking.
Even when I watch the show, I’m so nervous, and I’m not even there.
I think my parents were more nervous than I was.
It was hilarious, but it was so sweet.
I wish I could go back to that moment.
It’s so quick, but it felt like an eternity on that stage.
Is that something you want to pursue further?
“American Reject” is now available on demand and for digital rental and purchase.
Clickherefor more information about the film.
