Drew Ryniewicz

At the age of six, Drew Ryniewicz and her family moved from Newbury Park, CA to the quaint, quiet Chino Valley, AZ. The small town was an adjustment for Drew and she had to invent her own fun, which led her to pick up a microphone and discover a talent and love for singing. The first gift Drew ever asked for was a karaoke machine. She spent hours practicing and put on countless performances with friends. Singing was the creative outlet Drew needed, and having her own microphone meant everything in the world to her.   What Chino Valley lacked in size, it made up for in community, and their support proved indispensable as Drew began testing her skills in school talent shows and local competitions. From her first appearance at the Spring Fest Talent Show to her 2010 showing at Prescott Valley Idol, Drew scored first-place finishes everywhere she went. Her streak continued with subsequent victories in Northern Arizona’s Got Talent and a repeat win in Prescott Idol. With the wins under her belt and her community behind her, Drew realized that singing wasn’t just her passion, but her calling. Determined to share her gift outside the borders of Chino Valley, Drew set her sights on bigger goals.   Less than one year later, Drew took the world stage with her audition for the first season of X Factor US. Her soulful take on Justin Bieber’s “Baby,” along with her eccentric and bubbly character, won the admiration and affection of fans everywhere, including the infamous Simon Cowell. Drew made it to X Factor’s Top 6 in 2011, an accomplishment she is proud of and a learning experience she wouldn’t trade for the world.   The most important lesson she learned on the X Factor stage was to always be herself. “I have gained a bigger perspective for life. Love who you are; you’re YOU for a reason.” Drew’s musical inspiration comes from a variety of genres with a common thread of strong, independent women like Beyonce and Jessie J. As they’ve reached out to her, Drew hopes to inspire others to embrace who they are and stay true to what they love.   Though Drew’s inspirations mean a lot to her, the most important people in her life are her family. The upbringing and values that her parents instilled at a young age molded her into the compassionate person she is today. They remind her that life isn’t about being the smartest, most athletic or the best at something, but being yourself and having a kind heart. Her family helps guide her, but they also give her the freedom to make her own decisions (and mistakes) and that is something for which she is forever grateful.   Since her season on the X Factor, Drew has released her first EP, “Hello it’s Me”, performed across the country, and spent time in Nashville and Los Angeles writing and recording her soon to be released first album.  Her singer/songwriter style coupled with a country-pop sound has industry experts- as well as “Drewbies” worldwide- on the edge of their seats.   As Drew finishes working on her first album, she is excited to share this next phase of her musical adventure with everyone. For a small town girl, Drew has some big plans.   This is just the beginning for Drew Ryniewicz.