A Beat Beyond the Books: Kindergartner Hadley Lovell Thrives as a DJ
SOUTH JORDAN, UTAH — The gym at Monte Vista Elementary buzzed with excitement as students shuffled in for a special assembly aimed at celebrating reading through Utah’s statewide Read-A-Thon. But when the lively pulse of music filled the room, it became undoubtedly clear that this would be no ordinary school gathering. The heart of the rhythm came not from a seasoned adult DJ but from an unexpected source—a 5-year-old kindergartner named Hadley Lovell.
A Young DJ’s Big Dreams
While most children her age are just starting to string together simple words, Hadley has her sights set on mastering beats per minute and keeping a crowd energized. When asked about her passion for being a DJ, Hadley simply replied with a gleam in her eye, “Because you get to dance to the music.” Indeed, her journey into the world of DJing began at home, sparked by her father, Andrew Lovell, who was looking for a creative outlet.
“We bought a used DJ deck for a couple hundred bucks,” Andrew recalled, who also serves as the assistant principal of Monte Vista. What started off as a personal venture quickly transformed into a vibrant family activity when Hadley’s older brother, Carter, expressed interest. “It became our summer hobby as a family,” Andrew explained, sharing how the trio spent their days learning through YouTube videos and practicing together, bonding over shared beats.
Going Viral: Family Connections and Online Fame
To their surprise, the family’s fun hobby began attracting attention online. Hadley and Carter have assembled a notable following, boasting over 175,000 followers on their Instagram page, aptly named ‘Faculty_Lounge_DJ.’ Andrew chuckles as he mentions Hadley’s obliviousness to their growing fame. “She has no idea. She doesn’t understand,” he said with a smile, emphasizing that they are simply engaged in what they love. The joy they share in their craft seems to resonate beyond just numbers and digital recognition.
Expanding her horizons, Hadley took her budding DJ skills off of social media and onto the world stage, performing recently at an electronic dance music festival. Her family has even submitted her performance to Guinness World Records, hoping for her recognition as the youngest female DJ to ever perform at such an event. While awaiting feedback on their record submission, Andrew reflects fondly on the performance’s emotional depth.
Lessons in Resilience
Though Hadley experienced a hiccup during her set, messing up halfway through, it was her perseverance that truly shined. “She was crying, and we wanted to pull her off stage and just hold her, but she was like, ‘No, I want to stick it out,’” Andrew said with pride. True to her word, Hadley completed her performance, receiving enthusiastic cheers from the crowd—a moment that Andrew will cherish forever. “That for me was one of the proudest moments in my life, that she kind of learned a lesson that she can do hard things.”
A Family Affair at School
At Monte Vista Elementary, Hadley has become an integral part of the school community. With her dad helping to set up the assembly and her brother assisting her at the DJ booth, the family dynamic was palpable. Principal Natalie Gleave noted how inspiring it is for the students to witness a kindergartner confidently showcase her talents. “When they see a 5-year-old up there being a DJ, I think it gives them a lot of courage,” she said, recognizing the potential ripple effect Hadley could have on her peers.
Even Gleave took a spin at DJing herself, with Carter stepping in to teach her. “Carter actually taught me how to do a song the other day, and we mixed ‘Phantom of the Opera’ with another song, and it was a lot harder than I thought it was going to be,” she admitted, showcasing the enthusiasm the Lovell family has brought to the school environment.
Supporting Passion Over Popularity
For Hadley’s parents, the attention surrounding their daughter has been an unexpected journey. Andrew emphasizes their mantra: “Our goal is just letting our kids do something they love and support them in safe ways, allowing them to explore their passions.” They prioritize creating a nurturing space where Hadley and Carter can thrive artistically, treating their hobbies as avenues for joy rather than mere platforms for fame.
Regardless of whether Hadley will officially make her mark in Guinness World Records, the lighthearted kindergartner doesn’t seem worried. Her focus remains on the music and the joy it brings. “I think it’s fun,” she says simply, echoing the heart of creativity—where passion flourishes, joy follows.
