Apryll Aileen, Atlantic Canada’s rising music star, has officially made it to the semi-finals of America’s Top Hitmaker. For over 6 weeks, loyal fans have been supporting her to get this far. You can too – with a free daily vote.
The finalist will not only win $50,000 but the chance to open up for artists like Coldplay & Post Malone at the Global Citizen Music Festival in September and be featured in Rolling Stone Magazine. The semi-finals go from July 18-24th. Only the first place from each category will advance to the finals which, run from July 25-31st!
But what you might not know is that this journey almost didn’t happen.
Years of performing, recording, and just plain living loudly left Apryll with hearing damage as a teen. She still remembers the ringing in her ears after long nights in the studio — a terrifying feeling for any artist.
“One day, I happened to meet the owners of Argus Audiology — and they ended up saving my hearing, and my career,” says Apryll. “They didn’t just fit me for custom earplugs and in-ear monitors; they treated me like family. They understood what hearing means to someone like me — it’s not just part of my job, it’s my life, my voice, my everything. I just want people to know how important it is to protect your ears, especially at concerts. If you’re already struggling like I was, there are solutions. Don’t give up.”
Whether she’s in a packed concert hall or laying down vocals in the studio, Apryll now wears her custom ear plugs every time. “I want to be doing this for the rest of my life,” she says. “And that means protecting what I’ve got.”
Apryll’s story is one of resilience, art, and community. It’s also a reminder that support doesn’t always come from the biggest names — sometimes, it comes from neighbours who just get it.
Vote daily to help Apryll win it all: https://tophitmaker.org/2025/apryll-aileen. Remember, only first place advances to the Finals! Voting closes Thursday, July 24th at 10pm ET!
Aileen’s next shows are Friday, July 18th and August 22nd, from 8-11:30pm at The Pressgang Restaurant & Oyster Bar in Halifax, Nova Scotia.