You know how some people just have that spark the moment you see them? That’sAmerican IdolSeason 23’sDrew Ryn.When we first met her, she brought her “vintage"American Idolkaraoke microphone along to auditions, where she was able to banter with the series' host,Ryan Seacrest, and reveal her long history with the program. Through a home video, the audience got to see that Drew Ryn had thatAmerican Idoldream in her, singingKelly Clarkson’s coronation song “A Moment Like This” on that same karaoke machine. It seems she has long been waiting for her own chance for a Kelly Clarkson moment. Butthe parallels between the show’s inaugural winner and the current hopeful go beyond having talent.
The more the show shares that home video, the more we can see Drew Ryn having her confetti shower moment on finale night. And that dream might just come true. The goal ofAmerican Idolis not only to find a great voice but to foster a star, andDrew Ryn is certainly a star.As the season progresses, the votes are about to be in the hands of America, but ifAmerican Idolwants to ignite the career of a pop superstar, Drew Ryn is the girl.
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Drew Ryn brings that “every girl” energy that Kelly Clarkson thrived onin Season 1. You may not know her personally, but you feel like you know her. She is sweet. She is kind. Even when Drew Ryn revealed toCarrie Underwoodthat the winner turned judge was the first concert she attended and that she still had confetti from the show, you knew she was completely genuine. Sure, she knew how to butter up the panel, but she managed to do so in a manner that was authentic. In that first meeting, she gave the world an original song, “Walk on Water,” and a star was born. Not only would she be able to sing covers later in the competition, but her ability to prove that she knows who she is as an artist now was huge. Having the knack to write your own music can open doors in the industry. And with a radio-ready voice to match, Drew Ryn is unstoppable.
Drew’s voice is magnetic. She has versatility and range that gives her the ability to perform in every genre. During the first round of Hollywood Week, she cast fear upon the Idol Arena. Her haunting performance of “Block Friday” byTom Odellcould have been her own.Lionel Richiewanted more of that, and she kept on delivering. Drew’s performances have consistently impressed, even when she didn’t play it safe. Her a cappella rendition of “Always On My Mind” during Showstoppers not only proved that she was willing to take a risk starting a cappella but also used that to propel her into an Idol moment. First, it was a risk to take on aWillie Nelsontrack. Then, it was a massive risk to begin it sans the band. Yet it paid off by allowing her pristine voice to be exposed before the band came in, which then was perfect. She can do it on her own. She can do it with the band. This is what a star looks like.
The Head-to-Head round was a make-or-break performance. You can shine with your partner or risk standing out. During this moment, Drew took yet another risk, and yet again, it paid off. In her Head-to-Head withThunderstorm Artis, their rendition of “The Night We Met” byLord HuronfeaturingPhoebe Bridgerswas haunting. It was like watching two seasoned professionals duet at an award show after successfully making it in the industry. The way Drew tossed her coat off was an artist sure of herself on stage. If you examine herAmerican Idolresume thus far,she is playing with a similar playbook that Kelly Clarkson ran: versatility.
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Drew Ryn Needs “A Moment Like This” on ‘American Idol’ Season 23
There’s a star in the making onAmerican Idol. And that star will be determined by how America continues to take to Drew. If you close your eyes, it seems like that girl we heard in 2002 is right back on the stage in 2025. It’s important to have your own identity in the world of music, but it’s also not a terrible thing to be compared to the OG.Surely, Kelly Clarkson would have no issues learning that Drew Ryn is herAmerican Idolreincarnation.Having standout artistry and energy is what draws us intoanAmerican Idolhopeful, which is the goal of all the constants as the audience begins voting. And you’re able to’t help but love Drew Ryn for the same exact reasons you loved Kelly Clarkson.
Drew’s biggest struggle from this point forward is figuring out a way to maintain the momentum she’s gained and make moreIdolmoments. Oh, and if she’s going to have Kelly Clarkson’s name continually evoked, she has to prove why they’re in the same conversation while also breaking away (pun intended). With a season filled with steep competition,Drew’s journey must be a careful balance of mainstream appeal while ensuring her artistry shines through.When the time comes to provide an original track or a lesser-known song, she needs to take it. When the theme weeks force her into a specific genre or artist’s catalog, she should take advantage of the chance to give the people what they want without falling into the trap of overdone songs.
Kelly Clarkson had an advantage very few did. Unlike the many contestants who followed her, she didn’t have years of music precedence bogging her down when it came to song selection. She could sing “Respect” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” byAretha Franklinwithout being compared to any past contestants on the show. She set the standard. Drew will have to face the comparisons. While she should emulate Kelly Clarkson musically and vocally, she still needs to find those moments that Kelly had in Season 1. I have one wish for Drew.When the timing is right, have thatIdolmoment. Sing “A Moment Like This.“Bring the journey full circle! Keep an eye on her. I’ll be voting for her every week!
American Idol
