Betty Who
Betty Who – Life, Career & Creative Journey
Betty Who (Jessica Anne Newham): Australian-American pop musician, singer / songwriter, from classical training to viral hits, albums, Broadway debut, and artistic evolution.
Introduction
Betty Who (born Jessica Anne Newham on October 5, 1991) is an Australian-American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for her vibrant, emotionally resonant pop anthems.
She first gained notice with the viral single “Somebody Loves You” in 2012, and over the ensuing decade has released several albums, embraced independent avenues, and even made her Broadway debut.
Her music blends pop, dance-pop, synth-pop, and electropop, and she often draws on the emotional intensity of her life experiences to fuel her songwriting.
Early Life & Musical Training
Jessica Anne Newham was born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, on October 5, 1991.
She was trained in cello beginning at age 4, and later taught herself piano and guitar.
In 2007, she moved to the U.S. to attend the Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan. Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she met producer Peter Thomas.
Her stage name “Betty Who” originates from a song she wrote at age 16 about unrequited love.
Career & Milestones
Beginnings & Breakout
In 2012, Betty Who independently released her debut single “Somebody Loves You” as a free download.
In 2013, she released her debut EP, The Movement, which further built a fan base and attracted label interest.
She followed with additional EPs like Slow Dancing and Worlds Apart before launching her first full album.
Albums & Singles
-
Take Me When You Go (2014) was her debut studio album under RCA.
-
Her singles “All of You” and “Heartbreak Dream” achieved success on U.S. dance charts.
-
In 2016, she released a cover of Donna Lewis’s “I Love You Always Forever”, which became her breakthrough hit in Australia (reaching top ten) and topped U.S. Dance Club Songs charts.
-
The Valley (2017) is her second full album.
-
Later she pivoted to more independent releases. Her third studio album Betty came out in 2019 on AWAL.
-
Most recently, in 2022, she released BIG! under BMG.
Diversification & Recent Projects
-
In 2020, Betty Who made her acting debut in the film Unpregnant, portraying a confident queer character.
-
In 2022, she ventured into television by hosting the dating show The One That Got Away on Amazon.
-
On September 5, 2023, she made her Broadway debut in Hadestown as Persephone, a role she held through February 2024.
Artistic Style & Voice
Betty Who’s style is rooted in pop, synth-pop, and dance-pop, often with dramatic, emotionally expressive melodies.
Her vocals are described as alto with a “breathy” quality.
She cites strong influence from 1980s synth music and 1990s dance-pop, and references pop producers such as Max Martin in her approach to production.
She often combines introspective lyrics with big hooks and lush production: heartbreak, love, growth and identity figure heavily.
Personal Life & Identity
Betty Who identifies as queer / bisexual and has been vocal about LGBTQ+ representation.
In 2014, she began a relationship with photographer Zak Cassar (son of Jon Cassar). They got engaged in November 2017 and later married (in 2020).
She holds dual citizenship in Australia and the United States.
In 2025, she publicly came out as non-binary.
Legacy & Influence
-
Bridge between indie and mainstream pop: Betty Who’s early viral success without heavy label control helped set a model for modern pop independent paths.
-
LGBTQ+ icon: Her identity, public openness, and inclusive themes in her music have made her a role model in queer pop.
-
Versatility across media: She’s not only a recording artist, but has ventured into Broadway and acting, expanding her creative reach.
-
Emotional authenticity in pop: Her combination of high-energy pop with emotional honesty gives her music depth beyond pure chart ambition.
Selected Notable Quotes
While she is more recognized for her music than for aphoristic quotes, here is a line reflecting her perspective:
“I write from the perspective of what I’m feeling and what I’m experiencing — the songs are always grounded in what’s real.”
— describing her approach to songwriting
Lessons from Betty Who
-
Own your sound: Betty Who built a distinctive musical identity that blends emotive songwriting + pop accessibility.
-
Use platforms boldly: Embracing viral, independent, label, and theatrical paths shows flexibility.
-
Representation matters: By being open about her identity, she contributes to visibility and safe space in pop culture.
-
Balance vulnerability and strength: Her music often leans into heartbreak but is also full of resilience and hope.
-
Evolve and expand: Moving into Broadway and acting shows that creative reinvention can keep a career fresh.
Conclusion
Betty Who’s journey—from classically trained musician in Sydney to pop voice with viral hits, independent artistry, Broadway performance, and identity evolution—is a compelling contemporary story of resilience, authenticity, and genre-blending creativity. Her work continues to inspire both pop listeners and artists navigating self-expression in music.