Ren Patrick (age 26), a singer-songwriter from Cypress, Texas, performed an emotional cover of “Dancing on My Own” by Swedish singer Robyn during the Auditions round of American Idol 2020 (Season 18).
Dancing on My Own is taken from Robyn’s fifth studio album, Body Talk Pt. 1 (2010). The song peaked at number three on the Hot Dance Club Songs chart in the United States and it was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording.
American Idol judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie were very impressed with Ren’s gut-wrenching performance. Katy said Ren sings with her heart, Luke Bryan said she’s an incredible singer, while Lionel Richie said she’s got an instrument and he’s happy to see her on board. They all agreed to give Ren a Golden Ticket to Hollywood.
But before handing Ren her Golden Ticket, the judges first gave a Golden Ticket to Ren’s supportive mother, Meiling, who raised her back up coming from a bad relationship.
Ren said she was in a toxic relationship for more than 8 years, which started when she was 17. When she opened up to her loved ones about her problem, they told her she deserves someone better and so much more. So she packed her bags and moved from L.A. to Houston, back to her family. Her mom encouraged her to audition for American Idol, saying it doesn’t matter what happens, “just try your best.” Ren said she’s excited about what the future holds because she knows nothing and nobody can hold her back.
Surprisingly, Ren said Katy helped her to see the truth. When Ren attended one of her first Hollywood parties seven years ago, she and her boyfriend were having a nasty argument. Katy Perry walked by and said under her breath, “Girl, dump him”. Katy was shocked about this anecdote. But Katy said she’s glad she said whatever she said a long time ago.
Judges Comments:
After Ren’s performance, Katy Perry commented that, for her, music is the best therapy. “It gets me through everything and when I was younger, before I started writing my own songs, I would hear a song and I would feel like ‘Oh my gosh, this is exactly what I’m going through. I’m so glad am not alone in this world.’ And you’re not alone in this world.”
Luke Bryan said, “Well, if you were with a guy that didn’t encourage you and didn’t tell you, ‘you are great’, he’s just a bad dude. And I’m glad you’re away from him. ‘Coz you’re an incredible singer. And you’re on Idol space now and I’m excited about that. Great job.”
Lionel commented, “As my grandmother used to say, the best form of revenge is success. You’ve got an instrument. We’re gonna see just how far that instrument can take you. I’m very happy to have you on board.”
Katy summed it all up saying, “I believe in you. We believe in you. You’re singing with your heart. And a lot of people that are watching, their hearts have been broken. And they’re seeing you as maybe somebody you know, that they can look up to get out of whatever situation they’re in right now. Thank your mom. Your mom knows best.”
The judges said they should give a ticket to Ren’s mom, who then came in wearing a shirt printed with “I (heart) Ren Patrick”.
Katy Perry handed the golden ticket to Ren’s mom and said, “I’m gonna give it to you. You saw your girl through all that. You believed in her and you helped pick her up.” As Ren and her mom hugged and cried, Katy Perry started crying too.
The judges made it official by handing Ren her own Golden Ticket to Hollywood, then saying at the same time singing their line, “You’re going to Hollywood!”
In a post-audition interview, Ren said, “When I think about the life I was living and how I felt… Gosh, I don’t even recognize that girl, you know? And now I get to look in the mirror and be proud of myself…My mom, she’s always believed in me even when I had no belief in myself. This really, really means a lot to me.”
American Idol Season 18 premiered at 8PM, February 16, 2020 on ABC television and will air Sundays at 8/7c. Ryan Seacrest continues his role as the show’s host and Bobby Bones returns as the in-house mentor. Despite budget cuts, Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie come back as judges for their third season of the series.
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