[1] At the age of 12, Rachel began writing original songs to cope with her mother being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
[1] While working at Walt Disney World, she completed a bachelor's degree in public relations and advertising from the University of Central Florida in 2008.
[1] In 2008, she made it in the Top 15 in the MTV reality show Legally Blonde: The Musical – The Search for Elle Woods.
[1] Later on, Potter was cast in the 2012 revival of Evita, in which she portrayed Peron's mistress, alongside Ricky Martin, Elena Roger, and Michael Cerveris.
[1] While on tour, she reconnected with Justin York, an old friend who had become a Nashville musician, producer and songwriter, known for his work with Nashville-bred rock band Paramore.
[11] In 2014, Potter launched a crowdfunded campaign using Pledge Music to fund her most recent album, Not So Black and White.
Potter was picked in the Final 40, one of ten acts in the "Over 25" category mentored by Kelly Rowland chosen to move on to the next stage of the competition.
[15][16][17][18] During the first live results show, on October 29, Potter sang "I Hope You Dance" receiving positive reviews; Kelly described Rachel as a "powerhouse and a delight", Paulina says Rachel has a "beautiful tone" and is original, describing the performance as brilliant from beginning to end and Simon said the song choice was perfect and she was even better than Lillie.
[20] During week two, Potter sang "This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)", gaining mixed reviews; Demi said, "You're so energetic and you bring so much to the stage."
Performances on The X Factor Rachel performed the following songs on The X Factor: Potter cites as her influences The Civil Wars, Carrie Underwood, Trisha Yearwood, Faith Hill, The Chicks, Rascal Flatts, Dolly Parton, Joni Mitchell, Patsy Cline, Alison Krauss, Union Station, Martina McBride, Miranda Lambert, Taylor Swift, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Sara Bareilles and Sheryl Crow.