Madison Nonoa is of Samoan, Niuean and New Zealand/European descent and holds a Bachelor of Music with a First Class Honours from the University of Auckland.

Madison made her debut professional performance in the role of Papagena in NZ Opera’s 2016 production of The Magic Flute. In the same year, Madison created the role of Joyce in Ross Harris' NZ Festival opera, Brass Poppies and was awarded third place in the 2016 Lexus Song Quest, where she was also awarded the $15,000 Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation scholarship for the singer with the most promise.

Madison is a graduate of the inaugural Kiri Programme – the personalised training skills programme created by the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation.