Luke Bryan didn’t hesitate with his prediction.
After 16-year-old Ruby Rae finished her unforgettable rendition of Olivia Rodrigo’s “Vampire” on American Idol, the judges were already out of their seats—hugging, cheering, and jumping with excitement before the moment had even settled.
Bryan, alongside Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood, watched in awe as the teenager delivered a performance that was equal parts fierce, emotional, and star-worthy.
“I am so happy for us. I’m so happy for you,” Richie said, clearly moved. “Wow. That was right on the money.”
Bryan echoed the praise, raising the stakes even higher. “If there were a thousand things on a list, I think you checked them all,” he said. “I don’t think we’ve seen a star, star, star like you yet.”
Carrie Underwood made it unanimous, calling Ruby “really, really incredible.”
But as powerful as the performance was, the reason behind it struck an even deeper chord.
When asked what brought her to American Idol, Ruby opened up about the heartbreak her community has endured. She revealed that she was singing not just for herself—but for her hometown of Pacific Palisades, California, which was devastated by a wildfire earlier this year.
“Performing is my favorite thing ever,” Ruby shared. “But I’m really here for my community. We need a win after such a hard year. I’m singing for my family and my community.”
The January 2025 wildfire destroyed much of the town she grew up in—including her preschool, her childhood home, venues where she once performed, and even her best friend’s house.
“It’s been really hard seeing the town I grew up in completely gone,” she said through tears. “After the fires, it was hard to find joy in the little things. But it taught me something—that when everyone comes together, we can be so strong.”
Lionel Richie responded with heartfelt support. “I know the pain that community is going through,” he told her. “To have a bright spot like you representing them is fantastic.”
With three resounding yeses, Ruby Rae earned her Golden Ticket—and left a lasting impression.
Reflecting on the moment afterward, she summed up her journey simply: “I’ve learned that I can keep powering through, and the light will keep on shining.”
Back in the audition room, Luke Bryan made his bold call official.
“She’s a definite Top 10er.”
American Idol airs Mondays on ABC.
