Drew chose to drop her last name, Ryniewicz and kept only Ryn during her time on The X Factor because people found it hard to pronounce and spell.
Drew Ryn, a 28-year-old singer-songwriter from Chino Valley, said she wanted to be on “American Idol” after finding a journal from when she was 11.
Highlights
- Drew Ryn said that while Ryniewicz is hard for people to remember, spell, and say, she is proud of her Polish heritage.
- In a separate Instagram post, Drew mentioned that her grandmother had always lived with them, and they looked very similar, both being Polish.
- In the same Instagram post, she also wrote “Serdeczna Matko,” which means “Beloved Mother” in Polish.
She shared that it felt like a full circle moment for her to finally be on the show at 28, meet Carrie Underwood, and show her the journal.
She also mentioned that she still remembers the old voting phone number and how she used to sit in front of the TV with the house phone, voting over and over for Carrie Underwood.
For her audition, Drew Ryn performed an original song inspired by her experience competing in a talent show at 14.
Well, she finished 6th place in season 1 of The X Factor USA, where her mentor was Simon Cowell.
She went head-to-head with Melanie Amaro, the eventual winner.
The Story Behind Drew Ryniewicz’s Stage Name And Her Love For Her Polish Heritage
Originally from Newbury Park, California, she moved to Chino Valley, Arizona, at six.
She explained that many stars use stage names, like Fergie, whose real name is Stacey Ferguson.
She said that Drew is her stage name, but if something happened to her, she would still be called Drew Ryniewicz.
Drew shared that it was Simon’s suggestion, but she has grown to love it because it fits her personality.
She added that while Ryniewicz is hard for people to remember, spell, and say, she is proud of her Polish heritage.
A lot of stars do it,” she defended. “Like Fergie, she’s Stacey Ferguson. Drew is my stage name, but obviously if I was rushed to the hospital or something, it would be Drew Ryniewicz.” Drew adds that it was Simon’s idea, but that she’s “come to love it… It’s unique. It suits my personality. Ryniewicz is really hard to remember, to spell, and to say, but I am proud to be polish.” It’s not the only change she made to her stage persona – this week for U2’s “With or Without You,” Drew wore shoes.
Drew Ryniewicz
In another Instagram post, Drew explained that her grandmother lived with them her whole life, and they looked so much alike, both sincerely Polish.
After Drew moved out, they would send each other a tea bag with a note that said,
“Let’s have a cup of tea together.“
They spent many afternoons drinking tea while watching Lifetime movies.
As a child, Drew’s grandmother would bring home gifts from work and even hide diamonds in the flower bed.
She made all of Drew’s outfits while growing up and was a fantastic cook who could make any recipe.
Drew said that some things have never been over, remembering her grandmother as her “Serdeczna Matko,” which means “Beloved Mother.”
Further, Drew never misses an opportunity to celebrate her parents, wishing her father, Andy, and mother on special occasions every year.
Additional Information
- Following her elimination from the X Factor, Drew dedicated herself to honing her singing skills and writing music. Her efforts paid off when she released her debut single, “Illuminate Me,” on April 7, 2014.
- She started singing at a young age and won victories in competitions such as Prescott Valley Idol and Northern Arizona’s Got Talent.
- Her exit from The X Factor caused a lot of uproar, similar to the backlash following Pia Toscano’s elimination on American Idol. Viewers particularly criticized judge Nicole Scherzinger for making the wrong call by sending her home.
