A creative Pisces whose beauty parallels that of Olivia Rodrigo, Paige Galdieri is a true Jersey girl. An out lesbian born and raised here, Paige has rapidly become a viral TikTok influencer known for her comedic celebrity impressions. An actress and singer/songwriter whose latest single, “Give You Better,” is addicting and anthemic, Paige is a talent to look out for in 2025.
An Italian from New Jersey. You are the quintessential Jersey girl. Before we get into acting, music, and social media — what is your backstory?
Paige Galdieri: I was born in New Jersey. I am Italian, [from] Sicily to be exact. I grew up in Chester in Morris County which was perfect for me. I moved to Florida in high school where I was exposed to a lot more people, the high schools are larger, and I got to experience a different lifestyle. You can’t beat the Florida weather, and I took it for granted by going to college in Philadelphia. Then after college I went to Chicago. I never pictured living here. The winters are rough but come summer you can’t beat the festivals.
So, you are familiar with the Jersey way of life…
PG: Yes, and I miss it! You can’t beat New Jersey pizza. When we moved to Florida, we couldn’t find anything as good. Then being in Chicago; I am not a fan of the deep-dish style pizza.
You are a very creative individual and juggle multiple gigs. How did you establish your career?
PG: I went to school for musical theatre, so I always knew acting was going to be a part of my career. I finished college during Covid and did not think I would receive any bites because the industry was at a standstill. In 2021 I received an offer from an agency in Chicago but was hesitant to move. Fortunately, I did not pass on the opportunity and took the leap. I moved to Chicago for acting and theatre primarily.
When did you establish your music career?
PG: About two years ago. I was doing theatre, but not musical theatre, and I deeply missed singing. I have always written songs and played guitar yet was timid with releasing my own music. I finally decided to get out of my comfort zone. A year ago, I did not have any tools in place, but now I do. My producer, John McLucas, has been amazing. He has taken me under his wing, and I have learned so much. I think letting go of thinking a song must be perfect has helped me advance the most.
TikTok has really made careers blow up, including yours. You have amassed nearly 20 million likes on TikTok and they are rapidly growing. How did that come about?
PG: I have many things going on. My celebrity impressions ended up blowing up on TikTok and because of that I kept them up. Currently I am trying to bridge the gap between my viral social media career and my music career. The hardest thing is getting people who like you for one thing to follow you on to the next.
I find your celebrity impressions to be incredibly comedic. Your manager, Stephen, represents a ton of comedians. Have you ever thought of taking your career further down that path?
PG: I have contemplated it. My muggle job is social media management for comedians, which is how I originally connected with Stephen. He had a client, which is one of my clients, and we worked together. After picking his brain on the industry, one thing led to another, and here we are. It is my dream to be on Saturday Night Live, so I am heavily considering it.
Your songs are unique. How would you describe your latest singles?
PG: “She” is so special to me. It was the first song I ever released that was about my coming-out journey. It was a special moment in which I felt confident in my identity and my ability as a musician. “Couple of Those” blends pop and country, and more importantly, is a song where my producer helped me find my sound. “Killin My Vibe” is a fun bop but not indicative of my sound. “Give You Better” just dropped Jan. 8, and I think it appeals to everyone.
I was interviewed recently for an upcoming documentary on Out In Jersey magazine about my crazy coming out experience. Given “She” is about coming out, I want to hear your story.
PG: I am very lucky to have supportive parents. I am really bad at in-person confrontation. The way I came out to my sister and mom was the SpongeBob gay rainbow gif. That was it. My mom was like, “Are you for real?” and when I clarified, she was fine with it. My sister and my brother were like, “We knew already.” I told my dad in the car after he picked me up from the airport and he was fine. Then I had them tell everyone else because I wasn’t going to go through all of that.
Are you single or committed, and would you say it is more difficult to meet contenders for a serious relationship in our community?
PG: When I first came out, I just wanted to be around the community. I don’t know if it’s the queer community or city living in general, but I feel like going out to bars and drinking in order to meet a potential partner gets old quick. Thus, you sort of have to take to the apps, and that is how I met my girlfriend. We have been dating for a little over two years. Our first date was at a comedy club, go figure [laughs].
TikTok: @PaigeGaldieri
