Nicole turned down a scholarship from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue a full-time music career. She felt that God was telling her to concentrate on singing instead of going to college. On January 10, 2003, released her debut album, "Follow the Call", an independent release as Brittany Waddell. In 2004, she signed a management deal with Vertical Entertainment, and then signed a development deal with Word Records. Also in 2004 she released her debut extended play, "Brittany Waddell". In 2006 signed with Sparrow Records and her song "Indestructible" was featured on the WOW Next 2007 compilation CD, and she performed at Creation East/West, Spirit West Coast Monterey, ALIVE 11 festival, and Celebrate Freedom. She was featured on Christian hip-hop group GRITS' 2006 album, "Redemption", on the songs "Right Back" and "Soul Cry", both under the name Brittany Waddell.