“If there were a thousand things on a list to check, I think you checked them all. I mean, I don’t think we’ve seen a star, star, star like you yet,” Bryan admitted.
Ruby Rae; Photo Courtesy of American Idol / ABC
Ruby Rae made a standout impression during her American Idol audition, delivering a powerful performance that left the judges stunned and celebrating before they could even find their words. The 16-year-old high school student from Pacific Palisades, California, walked into the audition room with nerves and heart, backed by the unwavering support of her family and community.
“It feels incredible to have my family here because they definitely shaped me into the young woman I am today, and I don’t know who I’d be without them. I’ve just been trying to think all the positive thoughts to manifest all the things, but in fact, it’s all today. I think it’s kind of stressed me out. Oh my god. I don’t know why I’m so nervous.”
Donning a bright yellow sweater and blue jeans, Ruby Rae then offered a stunning cover of “Vampire” by Olivia Rodrigo that truly highlighted her one-of-a-kind vocal tone and remarkable control beyond her years.
“I used to think I was smart/ But you made me look so naive/ The way you sold me for parts/ As you sunk your teeth into me, oh, bloodsucker, dream crusher/ Bleeding me dry like a damn vampire,” Ruby sang, showcasing a distinctive voice that set her apart from the rest of the contestants.
Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan were speechless after her audition, and rather than immediately go into making commentary on her performance, the trio of Idol judges got up and shared a group hug while screaming out loud.
Richie gushed, “I’m so happy for us. I’m so happy for you. Wow, that was right on the money.”
Bryan told the contestant that she checks off every box of becoming a star. “If there were a thousand things on a list to check, I think you checked them all. I mean, I don’t think we’ve seen a star, star, star like you yet,” Bryan admitted.
Underwood, known for her soaring powerhouse vocals, praised Ruby Rae’s breath control while singing long notes. “Really, really incredible. Your breath control is quite amazing! There was one point, and you just kept going, and I’m like, “When is she going to breathe?’” Underwood added.
Ruby Rae then shared that she was auditioning as she loves performing, but she also wanted to be there in hopes for a win for her hometown and the community of Palisades.
“Performing is my favorite thing ever, and I’m also here really for my community of Palisades. We need a win after such a hard year for everyone, and I’m just here singing for my family, my community,” Rae shared, referencing the January 2025 wildfires that destroyed the Pacific Palisades and took the lives of many.
“So much of our community burnt, like my preschool, the first theater I ever performed in, the home that I lived in until I was five [years old], my childhood best friend’s homes [and more],” she told the Idol judges. “It’s been a really hard time seeing the town that I grew up in completely gone after the fires. It was really hard to just find joy in the little things, but it’s taught me a lot. It has taught me when everyone comes together, it can be so strong.”
Richie continued, “Well, sorry for all of that. I know the pain that community is going through, and to have such a bright spot like you to come in and represent [them] is fantastic.”
Richie, Underwood, and Bryan then collectively voted ‘yes,’ sending Ruby to Hollywood Week, which will take place in Music City this year. “That was fantastic. Come down here. You’re going to Hollywood Week. Go out and celebrate,” Richie exclaimed as he handed Ruby her golden ticket.
After receiving her golden ticket, Ruby Rae dedicated it to her family, friends, and community in the Palisades. “This golden ticket was a hundred percent for my family and my community in the Palisades. This has definitely been one of the most challenging years, but I’ve learned that I can keep powering through, and the light will keep on shining.”
“A definite top 10er,” Bryan said with a smile on his face to Underwood, who replied, “That’s a different kind of 16-year-old,” applauding Ruby Rae’s mature vocals.
New episodes of American Idol air every Monday at 8/7c on ABC and will be available to stream the next day on Hulu.
Source: musicmayhemmagazine.com
