Halsey's debut EP, Room 93, dropped in October 2014, and some of her biggest songs solidified their place in the hearts of Tumblr users everywhere. The next step was touring the album, and making sure the right people heard it. South By Southwest is usually a huge event for most up-and-coming acts, but it was the biggest for Halsey: She was the most tweeted-about artist at the festival, beating out Miley Cyrus, Cody Simpson, Run the Jewels and more. The buzz made sense: Her handful of performances couldn't be missed (see photos here), and her interviews showed promised of a candid, intelligent, young pop icon.

The song that made Halsey pick up traction was "Ghost." There are two versions of the song, one from her EP and one from her debut LP, Badlands, that would drop in August 2015. The new version of "Ghost" showed Hal unafraid and unapologetic of her own sexuality. The second version of her video was the one that showcased both her bisexuality and her desire to break down boundaries instilled by a conservative industry.

Not only did Halsey burn the house down at Lollapalooza this year, she killed it at Made in America, Firefly, Hot 100 Fest and a slew of others. She ceaselessly moved from Internet darling to main-stage force.

In the summer leading up to her debut album release, Halsey opened up for Imagine Dragons on their arena tour. Not only did the opportunity introduce her unique sound to a new audience (a much more rock-centric, and probably much older, one), but it also ensured that her diehard fans would come out to these huge shows. Her presence as a budding star started to become more apparent. 

The album! Badlands was a surprise commercial hit, debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. Not bad for a then-20-year-old writing songs in her ex-boyfriend's Brooklyn apartment just a year and some change prior.

At this point, Halsey had a hugely successful album and fiercely loyal fan base under her belt. The next step? The late night television circuit! She completely killed it on Jimmy Kimmel Live's summer concert series, and took her talents to other network TV shows. Pretty soon, she was inescapable. 

Some of Halsey's biggest successes exist outside of her own music. She once tweeted, "Someone should start a foundation that raises money for concert tickets for depressed kids who owe their lives to their favorite band." The idea was simple enough, but it actually inspired two teenage girls to pursue the creation of an organization to do just that. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the power of Halsey.

After opening arenas for The Kooks in 2014 and Imagine Dragons in 2015, it became time for Halsey to launch her own, big room stint. She announced a 2016 tour, one that has her playing the main room at Madison Square Garden.

It gets even more impressive: She sold it out. And fast.

Then came the news that Halsey would collaborate with Justin Bieber. We heard a tease of "The Feeling," later the whole thing: It's easily one of best songs on Bieb's Purpose, one he performed live beside Halsey on the Today Show.

Halsey is currently on tour with the Weeknd, a man we can pretty confidently say owned 2015 with his Top 40 smashes. What does this means for our girl? Hopefully an even bigger 2016!