Montana Tucker is more than just a singer and actress—the 26-year-old is a pioneer for change. Tucker—who has opened for artists such as Pitbull, Ciara, Lil Wayne and was featured in the movies Step Up 2: The Streets and Bring It On: Fight to the Finish—is particularly passionate about her original music. Her song, “I’m Not Alone,” recently transformed into a whirlwind hit, projecting an empowering message that if you’re feeling down, you’re “not alone.” Inspired by her own experience being bullied as a kid, the tune (as Tucker explains, “not just a song but a movement”) is geared toward putting an end to the stigma. Below, the pop star reveals why music holds such a special place in her heart.

When did you first develop your passion for music?

I‘ve always loved singing and dancing. As soon as I learned to talk and walk, I was singing and dancing. I would always perform for myself in front of a full-body mirror, but in my mind, I was performing for thousands of people.  

What is it like opening for renowned artists such as ‪Ciara‬ and Pitbull at their shows?

The first time, I remember being so nervous. I was starstruck but then realized that they’re normal people just like me!

Why is YouTube such an important platform for you?

I’m able to use all my social media platforms to continue being a positive role model for our youth and young adults, not just in the USA, but around the world. There is so much negativity regarding social media, but with my social platforms, I show that you can be popular without compromising your values and morals. You can be proud of who you are and not let anyone or anything stop you from achieving your dreams! 

What is the main message behind your song, “I’m Not Alone?”

We‘re all in this together. We all have something going on in our lives, whether it be stress, an emotional limitation, or a physical limitation, and it’s ok because you‘re not alone. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes because we all do. As the song lyrics say, “You got to crash and burn, to live and learn, with arms open wide, eyes closed.”

What was the production process like for “I’m Not Alone?”

I co-wrote the song. The words came easily because I wrote about my personal experiences. I‘m so passionate about this song. Then came the official music video! There were many days of rehearsal for my official music video. When you watch it, you‘ll see we have a variety of individuals in the video with various types of limitations. There were dance steps to learn and positions to be in; it was challenging but definitely the most rewarding video I‘ve ever done. We shot it in Simi Valley, California, and filmed on top of a mountain. One of the main individuals in the video is paralyzed from the waist down and in a wheelchair. She drove her car up the mountain! We filmed in several locations of Simi Valley so it took us from early morning until nine o’clock at night! Simi Valley is so beautiful. It fit perfectly with the meaning behind “I’m Not Alone.”

You were bullied as a kid. How do you use your music to spread awareness?

I‘ve created numerous social media videos about bullying, and I’ve also been a guest speaker at different anti-bullying events and conferences. I‘ve performed “I’m Not Alone” for different anti-bullying organizations’ fundraising events as well.

What has the response been like from fans to your empowering music?

I get thousands of emails, comments, direct messages, and fan art, which I‘ve posted a lot on my Instagram IGTV channel. It feels so good knowing how appreciative fans are of my music and videos. “I’m Not Alone” has helped so many people believe in themselves. So many people have told me that they play my song every morning when they wake up because it motivates them and helps them get through the challenges they face daily. I got one email from a mother who sent me a video of her autistic, nine-year-old son dancing and singing to “I’m Not Alone.” She said he never would listen to music before; one day, her daughter was listening to the song on my YouTube channel, and instead of shutting his ears and walking away, he started watching the video and dancing to it. Now she says he dances to my song all the time and thanked me! Another email I got was from a young girl who said her grandfather has stage 4 cancer, and when she puts on “I’m Not Alone,” they sing, dance, and smile together. She said he's happiest when my song is played. These stories warm my heart.

What is your endgame? What do you ultimately hope to accomplish in the future?

To go on a world concert tour so I can meet every single one of my fans and thank them in person for all the love and continued support they show me.