The problem with Hailee Steinfeld’s music career: Is Josh Allen's fiance taken seriously as a pop star in today’s music industry?

Hailee Steinfeld burst onto the scene with an Oscar nomination at just 14, and since then, she’s proven herself as a triple threat—actor, singer, and style icon. But nearly a decade after her debut single “Love Myself” made waves, a question still lingers in the pop world: Is Hailee Steinfeld taken seriously as a pop star?

Despite her vocal talent, catchy songs, and major label backing, Hailee Steinfeld continues to struggle

There’s no denying Hailee Steinfeld's talent. She’s got the vocals, the looks, and a catalog of underrated hits like “Starving,” “Most Girls,” and “Wrong Direction.” Her voice is clean and radio-friendly, and her sound sits comfortably between mainstream pop and synth-pop. She’s worked with producers like Zedd and Grey, and opened for heavyweights such as Katy Perry. But despite all that, Steinfeld hasn’t quite broken into the A-list tier of pop stardom occupied by artists like Dua Lipa, Olivia Rodrigo, or even fellow actor-turned-singer Selena Gomez.

So, what’s holding Hailee Steinfeld back?

Part of the issue may be branding and consistency. While her acting career has thrived—with roles in Pitch Perfect, Dickinson, and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse—her music releases have often felt sporadic. Fans never quite know if she’s fully committed to her music or if it’s just a side project between films. That lack of clear musical identity can make it hard to build a dedicated pop audience.

Another factor is industry perception. As a successful actress, Steinfeld often gets boxed into the “celebrity-turned-singer” category, where skepticism runs high. Unlike artists who came up purely through music, she has to constantly prove her legitimacy in a genre that demands authenticity.

The irony is that Steinfeld’s music—lyrically honest, emotionally resonant, and polished—is exactly what the pop world claims to value. But without a full-length album and more consistent promotion, she risks being forgotten amid a fast-moving industry.

Also Read: Hailee Steinfeld presses pause on wedding plans as she fully commits to promoting her upcoming film ‘Sinners’

Hailee Steinfeld has the ingredients of a true pop star. The question now is whether the industry, and perhaps even she herself, is ready to fully commit to that version of her. Until then, her music career remains a promising but puzzling part of pop’s landscape.

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