Singer-songwriter Julia Michaels has penned hits for some of the most famous artists of our time, including: Justin Bieber, Fifth Harmony, Hailee Steinfeld, Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas, Demi Lovato and Gwen Stefani.

The super-talented 23-year-old, launched her solo career with debut single Issues last year which is set to be followed by the release of her debut solo album later this year, having released an EP, Nervous System, last year. 

But the transition wasn't easy initially from songwriter to performer, having suffered a panic attack after her live TV performance of Issues at the Billboard Music Awards. Even on the intro on her upcoming album she tells herself 'Julia, calm down. Breathe. It's gonna be okay'.

Speaking to Rolling Stone about how Keith Urban helped her conquer her stage fright when they performed Coming Home live at the ACM's, she said: 

"I just want to face my fears. I don’t want to be scared of everything. From last year to now, I don’t go up there feeling like I’m going to freak out, and like my throat is going to close up, as much as I used to. I think that’s because I’m controlling my anxiety instead of it controlling me.”

Fortunately, thanks to her overcoming her initial stage fright, Michaels has become one of our current best songwriters and performers. 

Her album is hotly anticipated, not just because it's bound to be full of hits but in her own words:  "I just want to be as transparent as possible on this next record.”

The release comes as her RIAA double platinum-certified debut single Issues continues breaking records. Issues remains the best-selling song by a new artist released in 2017, according to Nielsen Music. It is also the highest on-demand audio streaming song by a new artist released this year, and the first song to reach the Top 5 at Top 40 radio by a debut artist with a 2017 release. What’s more, the song has now surpassed 5 million in worldwide consumption.

Julia Michaels is set to kick off Macy's 4th July Fireworks today at the store's 42nd annual event which takes place in New York.  Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular will be shown at 8-10pm ET/PT today.