Pop singer-songwriter Maia Zakay chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about performing at this year’s Mister USA finals, which will take place on August 30th in Los Angeles, California.
Mister USA
Mister USA is an American beauty pageant, which is held annually, and the winner goes on to represent the United States in the Mister Universe competition. It is a celebration of culture, diversity, beauty, intelligence and empowerment. They believe in the power of young leaders to make a difference in the world. It is not solely about outer beauty; it recognizes the inner beauty and intelligence of their contestants.
The 2025 Mister USA grand finale will be held on August 30th at the Universal Hollywood Hilton in Los Angeles, California.
How does it feel to be performing at this year’s Mister USA?
Being invited to perform on this year’s incredible MR USA stage feels like a powerful affirmation that all my hard work is paying off. It’s like the universe is confirming that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be — and encouraging me to keep going. I’m deeply honored and beyond grateful for this opportunity. It’s the biggest stage and live audience I’ve ever performed for, and it feels like a major milestone in my journey as an artist. I truly can’t wait!
What can we expect to hear you sing at Mister USA?
I’m keeping my song choices a surprise — you’ll have to wait and see on the day of the event! But what I can say is that the songs I’ve chosen are true to who I am as an artist.
I’ll be pouring my heart into every note, and my hope is that the audience walks away feeling something — whether it’s moved, inspired, or just more connected. At the end of the day, that’s what art is all about: creating something real that reaches people.
What inspires your music and songwriting?
The main thing that inspires my music and songwriting is the ability to help people and create real impact through my art. For me, music is more than just self-expression — it’s a tool for healing, connection, and change. My purpose in life is to help make the world a better place, and I truly believe that communicating through music is one of the most powerful ways to do that.
I remember the exact moment I fell in love with making music and knew I wanted to pursue it as a full-time career. I was 16, playing soccer at the time, but going through a really tough season in my life — feeling alone, being bullied, and experiencing my first real heartbreak. Soccer wasn’t enough of an outlet anymore, so I turned to songwriting as a way to heal.
Taking that first vulnerable step of sharing my music online was terrifying — but what happened next changed my life for the better. I started getting messages from strangers across the world saying, ‘I don’t know who you are, but your song made me feel less alone.’ Some even told me it helped save their life and begged me to keep releasing music they could relate to. That was the moment I knew — this is my purpose. So I dove headfirst into the music industry, learned everything the hard way, and never looked back.
What do your plans for the future include?
My plans for the future include becoming a worldwide touring artist, played on radio stations across the globe, collaborating with other likeminded artists, and reaching as many people as possible with my message of healing and the power of communication through art.
I want to be a shining example of what it means to be a good human — someone who inspires others to rise above the darkness so many in our society fall into, like drug use, cheating, violence, war, and injustice. I want to speak openly about breaking cycles — whether generational or societal — and help others find their own path toward light and growth.
My goal is to use my platform for good — not just as an artist, but as a voice for change. I want to build real community through music, through social media, and through the movements I create. And while ‘world peace’ might sound like a dream, I’m taking it one day at a time, doing what I can to make a difference.
How does it feel to be an artist in the digital age? (Now with streaming, technology, and social media being so prevalent)
It’s actually incredible how much opportunity there is for artists in today’s digital age. With so many tools and platforms at our fingertips, I can reach thousands of people in minutes — and that’s something I definitely use to my advantage.
For example, I go live and sing on TikTok almost every night, and it’s helped me build a real, loyal community I call The Real Ones. I wouldn’t have been able to grow that kind of fan base without that platform.
Being an independent artist isn’t always easy — especially when you’re not yet at the level of artists like Sabrina Carpenter or Ariana Grande. But thanks to social media, I’m able to take control of my career, connect directly with fans, and actually make a living doing what I love. That kind of access and empowerment just wasn’t possible in the same way before, and I’m so grateful to be part of this new wave of artists carving our own paths.
What is your advice for young and emerging musicians?
My advice for new and upcoming artists is to do as much research as possible before diving in headfirst. The music industry can be a beautiful space, but it can also be twisted and dark — and I wouldn’t wish the hardships I went through on anyone. I had to learn a lot the hard way, navigating it on my own, and I want others to be more prepared than I was.
There will absolutely be tough times — that’s part of the journey. But don’t give up when it gets hard. Learn from every setback, and keep pushing forward. The most successful, influential people in the world didn’t get it right on the first try… or the second… or even the tenth. It’s not about how many times you fall — it’s about how many times you rise after each fall. That’s what builds real strength and lasting success.
What does the word success mean to you? (My favorite question)
To me, success isn’t measured by money or fame — it’s about how many people I can positively impact each day, whether through my music or my presence on social media and what I stand for.
I’ve seen firsthand that there are plenty of rich and famous people who still feel empty and unfulfilled. From the outside, it might look like they have it all, and people often assume they’re just ungrateful — but the truth is, real success comes from living in alignment with your purpose.
For me, that purpose is helping people through my art and using my platform to inspire, heal, and uplift. That’s what true happiness — and true success — looks like.
What would you like to say to your fans and supporters?
To my Real Ones — I want you to know that I truly couldn’t have done any of this without you. There were so many moments when I doubted myself, when I didn’t feel worthy of the dream life and career I’m living now. But your support and belief in me carried me through.
Whether you sent a message reminding me how much my music means to you, or helped me financially when I needed it most, you kept me going. You reminded me that I have something valuable to share with the world, and that I can make a real difference.
From the bottom of my heart — thank you. You’re not just fans, you’re my foundation. And I’ll never stop showing up for you the way you’ve shown up for me.
Her music is available to stream on digital service providers by clicking here.
To learn more about pop artist Maia Zakay, follow her on Instagram, and check out her Linktree page.
