Sia and Maddison Ziegler share a profound and creative partnership that began in 2014, when Sia cast Maddie, then just 11 years old and known from Dance Moms, as the star of the music video for “Chandelier.” Sia was captivated by Maddie’s extraordinary ability to convey emotion through dance, describing her as “a little prodigy” whose expressive movements could visually embody the themes of vulnerability and resilience central to her music.
Maddie’s performance in “Chandelier” became a cultural phenomenon, earning critical acclaim and over a billion views on YouTube. This collaboration marked the start of a series of iconic projects. Maddie starred in subsequent Sia videos, including “Elastic Heart” alongside actor Shia LaBeouf, “Big Girls Cry,” “Cheap Thrills,” and “The Greatest.” Each video showcased her intense, almost otherworldly performances, which brought Sia’s abstract and deeply emotional themes to life.
Beyond music videos, Maddie became a key figure in Sia’s live performances, often serving as a stand-in for the famously private singer, who preferred to perform with her face obscured. Their partnership expanded further with the 2021 film Music, Sia’s directorial debut, where Maddie played the titular role of a young girl with autism. While the film received criticism for its portrayal of autism, it underscored the deep trust between Sia and Maddie, with Sia describing Maddie as her muse and “everything I wish I could have been as a child.”
Their relationship transcends professional collaboration; Sia has acted as a mentor and maternal figure to Maddie, offering guidance and support as she navigates her career. Maddie, in turn, has expressed gratitude for Sia’s belief in her and the opportunities to explore her artistic potential. Together, they’ve created a body of work that blends Sia’s raw, emotive music with Maddie’s powerful physical storytelling, forging a unique and enduring artistic bond.
01 - Maddie Ziegler in “Big Girls Cry” music video, 2015.
02 - Cover of “The Greatest” ft. Kendrick Lamar, 2016.
03 - Maddie Ziegler in “Chandelier” music video, 2014.
04 - Maddie Ziegler in “Cheap Thrills” music video, 2016.
05 - Maddie Ziegler and Sia attend The 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards at the STAPLES Center on February 8, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Jason Merritt.
