COMPASS BACKSTAGE with Mia Nicolai

Compass Backstage Live: Mia Nicolai on Finding Freedom Beyond Criticism

On this week’s COMPASS BACKSTAGE, we welcomed Mia Nicolai for an unforgettable conversation about resilience, authenticity, and creative freedom.

Mia’s journey spans acting, violin, theater school, and ultimately music. Along the way, she faced bullying, discouragement from industry voices, and the immense pressure of performing on the Eurovision stage.

At times, those experiences almost silenced her. But through reflection, growth, and courage, Mia discovered that her struggles were also fuel for becoming the artist she is today.

Some key themes from our talk:

The Inner Critic as Both Enemy & Teacher

Mia shared how criticism pushed her to practice harder — but also led her to create music for others’ approval instead of her own truth. Learning to quiet that voice was essential.

The Trap of People-Pleasing

For years, she shaped her melodies and choices around producers’ reactions. She called it “the selfish disease” of people-pleasing: protecting yourself from rejection by hiding who you really are.

Resilience in the Face of Public Scrutiny

Eurovision exposed Mia to brutal criticism and trolling. But instead of quitting, she reframed the experience as an opportunity to learn, adjust, and grow.

Reclaiming the Playful Performer

From her childhood love of circus and clowning to bold new visuals for her music, Mia is now reconnecting with the fearless performer she once was — and finding freedom in embracing what once scared her.

Mia’s story is a reminder that authenticity is both a risk and a reward. The more she leans into who she truly is, the more her artistry shines.

👉 Watch the full interview here: Mia Nicolai COMPASS Backstage