This week’s campus celebrity is Jade Hilton, a multi-talented student at the University of Illinois. Jade is a junior from Mississauga, Ontario. She is on the women’s tennis team, is a part of the Daily Illini and is also a singer.
Jade has written around 30 songs, and has professionally recorded 10 of them. So far, she has made two music videos for her original songs, and has covered “Closer” by the Chainsmokers. Some of her hobbies include making movies, listening to music and reading. Take a look at Her Campus’ interview with this rising star.
Her Campus: What does a day in the life of Jade look like?
Jade Hilton: As a member of the varsity women’s tennis team at U of I, as well as a Broadcast journalism major, life can get pretty busy. I start my day off by biking to class. I then grab some lunch before practice. After that, I head to practice for a few hours. After practice we will have lifting or conditioning. I then head to the Daily Illini where I host a sports radio show on WPGU 107.1. After that I head to dinner and start my homework or any projects I have. Any extra time I have I spend on my music!
HC: What is your favorite sport to talk about on the radio?
JH: My favorite thing to discuss on my radio show is tennis. Having played the sport my whole life, I always feel like I have so much to talk about. With the ATP Finals starting in London this week, it’s going to be a lot fun to talk tennis. I also had a great time talking about baseball when the Blue Jays were fighting to make the World Series during the ALCS series… go Toronto! And of course watching the Cubs make history was a great moment for any sports journalist.
HC: What is your favorite place on campus?
JH: My favorite place on campus is the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. I have seen so many great performances there like the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as well as the Nutcracker. I even performed a set there with my friend Cole Brandt. The Krannert Center just has such a great ambience and it hosts so many world-renowned musicians. It’s definitely inspiring!
HC: Who is your biggest role model?
JH: My biggest role model is Roger Federer. His dedication to tennis is so inspiring and he is always a class act. In terms of music, I really look up to ZZ Ward and John Mayer.
HC: If you could meet one famous person who would it be?
JH: If I could meet one famous person it would probably be Freddie Mercury. I grew up
listening to Queen and truly believe he was one of the best vocalists to walk this earth. To be able to hear him sing live and meet him would be the greatest honor. If I had to perform for anyone it would be ZZ Ward because she inspires a lot of my music, and I think we have a similar style.
HC: If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be?
JH: If I could perform anywhere in the world it would at Madison Square Garden. Playing in New York on one of the biggest stages in the world would be a dream come true.