Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Ryleigh Madison from American Idol Season 20

Idol returns to ABC on Sunday, Feb. 27. Here’s more about Ryleigh.

* She’s Ryleigh Bunch, a 16-year-old country singer-songwriter from Whiteville, N.C. who uses Ryleigh Madison as her stage name.

* In spite of her young age, she has lots of performing experience from traveling around the Carolinas and beyond, singing alongside her uncle, fellow musician Dustin Chapman.

* Chapman wrote Ryleigh’s debut single and only release to date, “Stranger,” a song recorded when she was just 14. Check it out below.

* Ryleigh says the song “expresses that feeling everyone has felt when you get out of a relationship and discover your ex is moving on a lot faster than you and trying to forget the past they had with you.”

* Ryleigh began singing in church when she was just 3. More recently, she’s led worship at church and been an active members of the church’s youth group.

* She attends South Columbus High School, where she’s also been involved in choral ensemble, cheerleading and the academically gifted program.

* Her inspirations include Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, Carrie Underwood and Maddie & Tae.

* And Ryleigh says she’s trying to craft her own unique sound by merging contemporary and classic country influences.

Ryleigh on social media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
YouTube

Keep checking back …

I’ll be posting profiles of about 50 top contestants who auditioned for American Idol Season 20. Profiles of the singers listed below will be coming soon. More names might be added. The links take you to the profiles already published.

Allegra Miles
Ashley Blaire
Ava Maybee
Betty Maxwell
Cadence Baker
Carly Mickeal
Christian Guardino
Ciasia Nicole
Cole Wesley Ritter
Corey Curtis

Dakota Hayden
Douglas Mills, Jr.
Elli Rowe
Elliot Greer
Fritz Hager
Hunter Girl
Jacob Moran
Jay Copeland
Joedi Silvers
Jordan Chase Torrez

Jourdan Blue
Katyrah Love
Kaylin Roberson
Kelsie Dolin
Kendra Checketts
Kenedi Anderson
Kevin Gullage
Kezia Istonia (a.k.a. Lady K.)
Kirk Richmond
Leah Marlene

Lexi Weege
Max Embers
Mike Parker
Nicolina Bozzo
Olivia Faye
Paige Fish
Ryan Argast
Ryleigh Madison
Sage
Sam Moss

Scarlet Ayliz
Sir Blayke
Tobias Hill
Tristen Gressett
Tyler Allen
Valerie Marie
Wennely Quezada
Yoli Mayor