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Key Information

Bianca Taylor Ryan (born September 1, 1994)[1] is an American musician, singer and songwriter from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Ryan was the first winner of NBC's America's Got Talent at the age of eleven. Singing two Broadway show tunes along the way, Ryan was announced as the winner of season one on August 17, 2006. Her self-titled first album was released later in 2006, followed by two Christmas albums. Two singles followed in 2007 and 2010.

After a break to finish her education, Ryan recorded a cover of the John Legend song "All of Me" and posted the video to her YouTube channel in March 2014. Her original song "Alice" was self-released in May 2015. Following a delay due to health problems, Ryan premiered her single "One Day" in May 2017; since then, she has written and released singles including "Man Down" and "Remember". Her EP The Reintroduction, Pt. 1 was released in January 2019. Following the release of several singles, a second Christmas EP was made available in November 2020, followed by a series of videos made for the holidays.

Ryan has acted in the feature film 12 and Holding (2005) and played the lead role in a music video by The Wrecking in 2010. The independent film We Are Kings premiered in 2014, featuring Ryan as one of two down-on-their-luck teen musicians who are guided by an angel to save an elder bluesman from freezing to death. Ryan co-wrote much of the film's music, and the video for her song "Broken Down House" was released in October.

Early life

[edit]

Bianca Ryan is the second of five children of Shawn and Janette Ryan,[a] who moved from New Jersey to Philadelphia when Bianca was three years old.[4] Her father, a fan of The Rolling Stones, named her after Mick Jagger's ex-wife.[b] Ryan is "mostly" Irish[2] and calls herself a mix of Japanese, Irish, Italian, German and Cherokee. "I'm basically just America ... the melting pot."[6]

Ryan's singing talent came as something of a surprise to her family, given that she was an award-winning tap dancer as a child.[7] Ryan said she did not even attempt to sing until she was eight years old and started enjoying LeAnn Rimes and country music. Shawn Ryan started sharing his record collection with his daughter, and Bianca "fell in love" with rhythm and blues and soul music.[8] Eventually, she began rehearsing nightly with her father.[9] Ryan convinced him to take her to an audition for Star Search, where her performance of "Think" impressed the judges and shocked her father. "I'd never heard her sing like that."[10] During the Junior Singers competition, Bianca Ryan lost to Spensha Baker.[11] Ryan later won Amateur Kids Night on Showtime at the Apollo.[10][12]

Ryan has sung the Star-Spangled Banner for several professional sports teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles, the New York Knicks and its Westchester affiliate,[2][13] and the New York Mets.[14]

America's Got Talent

[edit]
"And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going"
11-year-old Bianca Ryan auditions for America's Got Talent (season 1), belting out a Broadway show tune to a rousing ovation
Problems playing this file? See media help.

In 2006, Ryan learned that American Idol judge Simon Cowell was serving as executive producer for an upcoming competition titled America's Got Talent, and the tryouts in New York City were happening on the same day as a family outing in the city. Ryan almost left without performing when she looked at the other contestants and saw a lady with a beard "probably about, like, two feet long," juggling torches. She decided to stay when her father told her the grand prize was US$1 million.[15] For her televised audition, she chose the Dreamgirls show tune "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going", surprising the audience and the judges with her powerful voice.[16] The video of her audition performance quickly became popular on YouTube.[17]

For the semi-finals of the show Ryan performed "Piece of My Heart". The judges praised her performance, but they did not think the song was right for Ryan.[18] She rebounded for her finals performance, singing "I Am Changing" (also from Dreamgirls); judge David Hasselhoff called her "the best" in the competition, while Piers Morgan predicted she would win. During the finale results aired on August 17, 2006, 11-year-old Bianca Ryan was announced by emcee Regis Philbin as the winner of season one of America's Got Talent.[19][20][c]

Ryan made a brief appearance during the show's season two finale in 2007. In a video recorded during Live Nation's Nextfest tour, she wished good luck to the top two finalists.[23]

Career

[edit]

Music

[edit]

2006–2009: Bianca Ryan and holiday albums

[edit]
Ryan performing during the Nextfest Tour in July 2007

One week after her victory, Ryan announced on her website that she had flown to New York to meet with representatives from a record label and some of the recording industry's top songwriters.[24] The Northeast Times reported the same day that Ryan met with Grammy Award-winning producer David Foster and was being managed by Peter Rudge.[25]

Ryan signed a five-album record deal with Sycomusic as part of Columbia Records on September 18, 2006.[24] She was the first U.S. artist to sign with SYCOmusic; during the press conference, Simon Cowell called Ryan "potentially one of the best singers I have ever heard in my life."[26] The following month, Ryan was in Los Angeles to record her first CD. The self-titled debut was released on November 14, 2006, featuring cover versions of "The Rose" and "I Believe I Can Fly", and original songs like "I Wish That" and "Pray for a Better Day". Eight days later, the album debuted at No. 57[27] on the Billboard album charts, showcasing "her gargantuan chops and sweet charm". Matt Collar of AllMusic added that the arrangements were "grandiose" for someone of Ryan's age, but they were "more than matched by her truly impressive vocal talent."[28] Los Angeles Daily News reviewer Sandra Barrera wrote that Ryan handled the songs "like the old pro that her big, powerful voice makes you think she is".[29]

One month later, the EP Christmas Everyday! was released as a promotional giveaway. She then joined several artists in a televised 2006 Christmas performance for President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush at the National Building Museum to benefit the Children's National Medical Center.[30]

Ryan's first concert tour took her across the United States as the special guest artist for Nextfest in 2007.[31] That August, she released the single "That's Not Me".[32]

In 2008, Ryan left SYCOmusic/Columbia Records; she released her second holiday-themed EP, True Meaning of Christmas, on November 3, 2009, on the indie Music Forever label.[33] This second collection, co-written with Anthony Marinelli and Siedah Garrett, included updated versions of "The Christmas Song" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"; the title track featured a duet with gospel pop singer Brent Jones.[34]

2010–present: Singles, videos and EPs

[edit]
Ryan performs at the 2015 Hollystock Music and Arts Festival in Mount Holly, New Jersey

In 2010, Bianca Ryan wrote and recorded a song inspired by Twilight: New Moon called "In My Head".[35] The single was released digitally on August 21 through the indie label Tuned in Music and Media,[36] followed by performances at Trump Plaza in Atlantic City, New Jersey.[37]

Ryan was asked in October 2012 about the differences between her debut album and her future projects. She said she didn't get to choose what songs went on her first CD, and while the experience she gained by working with people like David Foster and Kara DioGuardi was amazing, "I didn't feel like it was really me. ... You can relate to songs that you write."[38]

Ryan spent much of her teen years out of the spotlight. She explained in 2014 that she had put her career on hold to go back to school even though, as it turned out, she hated high school—besides "a couple of stalkers", she was mostly ignored by other students and didn't make any friends until after school was over.[39] Nevertheless, she "wanted to live a life, and have purpose and things to write about" due to her passion for writing music.[40] Ryan described her musical style as a blend of neo soul, R&B and pop.[41]

Ryan announced in February that she was working with industry veterans like Quincy Jones on a new EP featuring her own work, which she called more "mainstream" than anything she had written before.[42] She started her own record label, Bianca Ryan Records LLC, to promote her artistic freedom as well as make a profit. "I could literally sell 1% of what I would sell with a record company and finally make money off my music to where I can fund other projects".[9]

She also went back to work on her YouTube channel in 2014.[42] Her cover of "All of Me" was uploaded in March.[43]

In 2015, Ryan created a music video for "Alice", an original song she had written years earlier. The video was funded in part by a Kickstarter project and was self-released in May 2015. It features dancer Chloe Lukasiak, who called the video her favorite project since leaving Dance Moms.[44] The single was released via Ryan's own label through iTunes, Google Play and ReverbNation.[45] Her cover of "God Bless the Child" was released on iTunes in July.[46]

Ryan was a featured performer at the Hollystock Music and Arts Festival in Mount Holly, New Jersey, in August 2015.[47] Performances in November included the Macy's Christmas Window unveiling and the 6ABC/Dunkin' Donuts Thanksgiving Parade, both in Philadelphia.[48]

Her plans were put on hold in October 2016 due to health problems that required several surgeries.[citation needed] Her first performance following her recovery was at the Nashville Christmas Parade on December 3.[49] Ryan's single "One Day" was released in May 2017.[50] Two follow-up singles, "What I Gotta Do" and "Man Down", were released in June;[51][52] "Man Down" was called "the ultimate breakup anthem" by TigerBeat.[53] Also in June, Ryan was the subject of an artist profile produced by Major League Baseball.[54]

Ryan intended to release two EPs in 2017,[55] but her plans were delayed.[56] Instead, she chose to release singles, including "Don't Wanna Come Down" in October,[57] and "Remember" in May 2018, featuring an official video using old family footage.[58]

Live appearances in 2018 included co-headlining the Houpalooza Music Festival on June 16 in Houston, Texas, part of the Women's Empowerment Movement Tour. Nick Cannon was a co-host; performers included Flo Rida, and Paul Anthony of Full Force.[58] Ryan joined season six winner Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. for his Christmas Tour of Champions in December, making several stops in Murphy's native West Virginia.[59]

The Reintroduction, Pt. 1 was released on January 6, 2019;[60] Ryan's single "They Wanna Be Us Now" went on sale one day later.[61] The accompanying video, shot the previous August in Los Angeles,[62] was uploaded on May 1, 2019; it features America's Got Talent alumnus Merrick Hanna as Bully No. 1 and Zoephia Decker-Knealing as young Bianca.[63]

In November 2020, Ryan released the Christmas EP What the World Needs Now Is Love with six songs, including the title track and an updated version of "Why Couldn't it Be Christmas Every Day?"[64] Dance Moms' Lilliana Ketchman returned for a series of music videos created for the holiday season.[65]

Return appearances on America's Got Talent

[edit]

In October 2018, Bianca Ryan announced that she would compete in the new spinoff series America's Got Talent: The Champions,[66] taped in advance in Pasadena, California, for broadcast in January 2019,[67] and featuring 50 total winners and finalists from across the Got Talent franchise including Britain, Ukraine and Australia.[68] Ryan was the first act to perform on the premiere episode, singing "Say Something" to a standing ovation.[d] Afterward, the judges praised Ryan for overcoming both her setbacks and her nerves; Simon Cowell credited her for the success of the franchise and said he was "thrilled" to see her return.[70] Two acts out of ten made it to the finals: Susan Boyle won judge Mel B's Golden Buzzer, while Ryan finished second in the fan voting to Preacher Lawson.[71]

Ryan was a guest performer during the first live results show of AGT's 14th Season, along with contortionist Sofie Dossi, violinist Brian King Joseph and card magician & season 13 winner Shin Lim. Ryan released her single "Plastic Lovers" the same day.[72]

Broadway

[edit]

Ryan sang in the 2017 Broadway production "Home For the Holidays", which ran from November 17 through December 30 at the August Wilson Theatre. Vocal performers included American Idol season 12 winner Candice Glover, The Voice season six winner Josh Kaufman, and Peter and Evynne Hollens. Kaitlyn Bristowe served as host;[73] actor/singer Danny Aiello shared holiday memories.[74]

Reviews were mostly negative; HuffPost writer Michael Giltz called the show a train wreck, and said Ryan's voice was shaky and she appeared uncomfortable on stage.[75] Joe Dziemianowicz of the New York Daily News made the same observation.[74][e] Ryan's performance invited mixed comparisons to Mariah Carey: Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter called her a "desperate" wannabe;[77] Heather Violanti of Theatre Is Easy offered a similar opinion, though she called Ryan "confident and capable";[78] and ZEALnyc critic Megan Wrappe said Ryan does Carey proud with "a voice that fluctuates amazingly between breathy and a soulful powerhouse".[79] Scott Harrah of StageZine noted Ryan's occasional pitch problems and overdone hand gestures, but praised her "impressive vocals".[80]

Acting

[edit]
Ryan at the 2014 premiere of We Are Kings, her first co-starring role in a feature film

Ryan made several early attempts at an acting career, trying out unsuccessfully for such projects as Camp Rock and Hannah Montana.[81] She made her debut in a walk-off appearance in the 2005 film 12 and Holding; her character is shown at a school function singing the final line of "Oh! Susanna", thanking the audience, and leaving the stage.[82] She returned to acting five years later, playing the lead role in the music video for "About to Fall" by The Wrecking.[83]

In 2012, Ryan joined the cast of We Are Kings, an independent, crowdsourced feature film. She portrayed one of two homeless musicians who join up with a runaway rapper to help an elder bluesman raise the money he needs to save his comatose wife and their repossessed blues club.[84] Ryan and her co-stars wrote their own original songs for We Are Kings.[85] Her first single from the film, "Broken Down House", was released in November 2014.[86]

Upon the film's release, LA Weekly called Ryan, Long and Pryce "so bursting with talent that it's impossible to pick a favorite"[87] while the Los Angeles Times looked past the "discordant" acting to praise the "palpable, soulful authenticity" of the music.[88] Ryan admitted in 2014 that she could benefit from an acting coach;[89] in 2017 she said she had matured and would like to try acting again.[55]

Beauty products

[edit]

Ryan has long been interested in makeup and starting a line of beauty products. In December 2018, she launched her lipstick line Ciao Bianca with 23 shades, including some named after her songs.[90]

Health

[edit]

Ryan underwent two vocal surgeries and an abdominal surgery in 2016 after a doctor told her that she was a high-risk candidate for esophageal cancer.[citation needed] One of her vocal cords was paralyzed, and she was told she might never sing again. That surgery was successful and she felt like she was given a 'new' voice. The second surgery came after an ENT told her she had developed blood vessels on her vocal cords; it too was successful.[91] Being out of the public eye during these setbacks left her feeling "like I had just disappeared and everybody was just forgetting [about me]."[92]

The premiere of her song "One Day" was originally set for 2016, but Ryan revisited the lyrics following the surgeries and other roadblocks, "and I can finally say it is my story."[93]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Bianca Ryan discography

Studio albums

Extended plays

  • Christmas Everyday! (2006)
  • True Meaning of Christmas (2009)
  • The Reintroduction, Pt. 1 (2019)

Soundtrack albums

Filmography

[edit]
Film
Year Title Role Notes
2005 12 and Holding Singing Girl[94]
2014 We Are Kings Layla Knuckles
Television
Year Title Role Notes
2003 Star Search Herself Contestant
2005 Showtime at the Apollo Herself Contestant; winner of Amateur Kids Night
2006 America's Got Talent Herself Contestant (winner, season 1)
2018 America's Got Talent: The Champions Herself Contestant
2019 America's Got Talent Herself Guest performer for first live show
Music videos
Year Title Artist Release date Notes
2006 "You Light Up My Life" Bianca Ryan November 2006[95]
2006 "Why Couldn't It Be Christmas Every Day?" Bianca Ryan December 2006[96]
2010 "About to Fall" The Wrecking September 8, 2010 Lead role (acting only)
2014 "All of Me" Bianca Ryan March 3, 2014
2014 "Broken Down House" Bianca Ryan November 6, 2014
2015 "Alice" Bianca Ryan May 26, 2015
2017 "Man Down" Bianca Ryan August 21, 2017
2018 "Remember" Bianca Ryan May 18, 2018

See also

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Notes

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Bianca Ryan

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Bianca Ryan (born September 1, 1994) is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actress from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, best known for winning the first season of NBC's at age 11 in 2006, becoming the show's youngest champion and the first American artist signed to Simon Cowell's label. Ryan's early exposure to performing came through national tap dancing competitions and an appearance on at age 10, but her vocal talent propelled her to fame on , where her audition performance of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" from the musical stunned judges and audiences alike. Following her victory, which earned her a $1 million prize, she released her self-titled debut album in 2006 through , featuring collaborations with producers like and , and including the holiday single "Why Couldn't It Be Christmas Everyday," which topped charts internationally. Throughout her career, Ryan has amassed over 25 million streams across her music, videos, and performances as of 2025, performed the national anthem for major U.S. sports teams including the and , and appeared on high-profile shows such as and in 2019. In 2025, she celebrated the 20th season anniversary of . She has also ventured into acting with roles in films like (2006) and We Are Kings (2014), performed in Broadway productions, and held residencies in Atlantic City. Now independent via her own Bianca Ryan Records, she continues to release music, engages audiences through , and expanded into entrepreneurship with the launch of her 23-shade makeup line, Ciao Bianca, in 2019.

Early career and breakthrough

Early life and initial performances

Bianca Ryan was born on September 1, 1994, in , to parents Shawn and Janette Ryan. The family relocated to , , when she was three years old, where she grew up in a musically inclined household that fostered her early interests in performance. As the second of five children, with an older brother named Shawn and three younger siblings—Isabella, Jagger, and Evangelina—Ryan benefited from a supportive environment that encouraged creative expression. Ryan initially excelled as a dancer, winning national competitions in tap, , and from a young age, but she shifted her focus to around age eight. Her early musical influences included powerhouse vocalists such as , , and , whose emotive styles and technical prowess shaped her approach to music. Self-taught in her signature raspy tone and vocal control, she received no formal training until after her rise to fame, relying instead on home practice with her father's guitar accompaniment. By age ten, Ryan began performing publicly, starting with local talent shows and school events in that highlighted her burgeoning talent. Her breakthrough initial television exposure came in 2003 on , where, at just eight years old, she auditioned and performed Aretha Franklin's "Think," impressing producers and advancing in the competition despite not ultimately winning. These early experiences culminated in her audition for in 2006.

America's Got Talent (2006)

At age 11, Bianca Ryan auditioned for the first season of in , performing Jennifer Holliday's "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" from the musical . The judges—, , and —were visibly stunned by her powerful, mature vocal delivery, with all three giving her an enthusiastic "yes" to advance to the next round. In the semifinals, Ryan showcased her versatility with a rendition of Janis Joplin's "Piece of My Heart," earning praise from the judges for her commanding stage presence, though some noted the rock edge was a departure from her initial Broadway-style audition. Advancing to the live finals, she delivered a stirring performance of "I Am Changing" from Dreamgirls, again highlighting her emotional depth and vocal range, which captivated audiences and solidified her frontrunner status. The season, hosted by Regis Philbin and airing from June to August 2006 on NBC, featured Ryan as one of several standout acts, including the clogging group All That and the musical duo The Millers. On August 17, 2006, Ryan was announced as the winner, becoming the youngest champion in the show's history at 11 years old and defeating the runner-ups and . Judges lauded her as possessing a voice far beyond her years, with Morgan declaring her the most talented contestant overall. The victory earned her a $1 million prize, a recording contract with Simon Cowell's label in partnership with , and immediate national fame, leading to appearances on and .

Music career

2006–2009: Debut album and holiday releases

Following her victory on , Bianca Ryan signed a with SYCOmusic, a division of , becoming the first American artist to do so. The deal, announced in September 2006, encompassed five albums and marked the beginning of her major-label career. Ryan's self-titled debut album, Bianca Ryan, was released on , 2006, by SYCO/Columbia/. The 11-track collection blended covers such as Bette Midler's "The Rose," R. Kelly's "," and Debby Boone's "You Light Up My Life" with original songs including "" and "I Wish That," co-written by songwriters like and . Produced by a team of industry veterans including , , and , the album highlighted Ryan's distinctive raspy, soulful vocals at just 12 years old, with recordings taking place at studios in , , and New York. It debuted and peaked at No. 57 on the chart, selling over 200,000 copies worldwide. To capitalize on the holiday season, Ryan released the EP Christmas Everyday! on December 12, 2006, featuring five festive tracks such as the original "Why Couldn't It Be Christmas Everyday?"—co-written and produced by Walter Afanasieff—and covers of "Someday at Christmas" and "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town." The title track became an international hit, reaching No. 1 in the Philippines and earning acclaim for its joyful arrangement and Ryan's emotive delivery. In 2009, she issued another holiday EP, True Meaning of Christmas, under the independent label Music Forever, including covers like "The Christmas Song" and the original title track featuring gospel artist Brent Jones, emphasizing themes of faith and family. During this period, Ryan promoted her releases through high-profile performances, including singing the at NFL games such as the vs. Washington Redskins matchup in September 2007 and appearing on morning shows like NBC's Today. She also joined artists like and for the televised Christmas in Washington special hosted for President in December 2006. Critics praised Ryan's vocal maturity and power beyond her years but noted occasional critiques regarding the suitability of some adult-oriented material for a young performer, as reflected in mixed user and editorial feedback on platforms like , where the album holds a 2.5-star average rating. Her debut album sold over 200,000 copies worldwide, establishing her as a promising pop talent.

2010–present: Singles, videos, EPs, and returns

Following her departure from SYCO/Columbia Records in 2008, Ryan transitioned to independent releases, initially through indie labels like Music Forever before founding her own imprint, Bianca Ryan Records LLC, around 2015. This shift allowed her greater creative control, enabling her to self-produce and distribute music digitally via platforms such as and . In March 2014, she released a cover of John Legend's "All of Me" as her first single in several years, accompanied by an official that garnered attention for its intimate acoustic arrangement. Later that year, in November 2014, she issued "Broken Down House," an original track tied to the film We Are Kings, with its video premiering as a narrative-driven piece exploring themes of resilience. Ryan's video projects became a hallmark of her independent era, often self-directed or collaboratively produced to emphasize storytelling and personal expression. In May 2015, she released the original single "Alice," featuring dancer Chloe Lukasiak in its official , which she co-wrote and funded partly through ; the track blended pop and emotional balladry, marking her emergence as a songwriter. This was followed by the 2019 EP The Reintroduction, which included "Alice" alongside originals like "They Wanna Be Us Now" and a cover of "Say Something" by , distributed through her label and streaming services. In November 2020, she launched the holiday EP What the World Needs Now Is Love, featuring six tracks with accompanying videos, including a duet version of "Celebrate Me Home" with Lilly K, focusing on themes of hope during the pandemic. Subsequent singles, such as "Already Gone" (2021), "Stay" (2021), "I Wish That" (2022), and "Lucky (Epic Trailer Version)" (2022), continued this pattern of covers and originals shared via and , often in stripped-down acoustic formats that highlighted her and reached millions of views collectively. By 2025, her performances, music, and videos had accumulated over 30 million streams across platforms. High-profile returns to America's Got Talent underscored her enduring appeal and career evolution. In January 2019, Ryan competed on America's Got Talent: The Champions, delivering an emotional rendition of "Say Something" that advanced her to the semifinals, where she shared her journey of overcoming vocal challenges. This appearance, taped in Pasadena, reignited public interest in her work and led to increased streams for her recent releases. She has since performed residencies in Atlantic City, including shows at Trump Plaza Hotel & Casino as part of variety acts, blending her music with live entertainment to connect with audiences in intimate settings. Collaborations during this period included contributions to projects inspired by industry veterans like Quincy Jones, whose influence from earlier recordings informed her shift toward authentic, self-penned material. Throughout the and into the , Ryan evolved into a multifaceted songwriter, prioritizing personal narratives in acoustic and pop styles over commercial pop production. Her focus on streaming and video content, including covers like a 2022 Whitney Houston tribute to "I Have Nothing," has sustained her fanbase, with approximately 83,400 monthly listeners on as of November 2025. In 2025, Ryan released her album We Live And We Learn, featuring original tracks such as "Way Your Wars". As of 2025, she continues to engage fans through digital platforms, emphasizing recovery-enabled creativity.

Other professional endeavors

Acting roles

Bianca Ryan's foray into acting predated her musical breakthrough, beginning with a minor role in the 2005 coming-of-age drama . Directed by , the film features Ryan as a schoolgirl who performs a rendition of during a scene, showcasing her vocal abilities at age 10. The project was filmed prior to her appearance on , marking her screen debut in a narrative tied to youthful performance. After gaining fame as a singer, Ryan expanded her through music-adjacent projects. In 2010, she starred as the lead actress in the music video for The Wrecking's rock single "About to Fall," directed by Jeffrey G. Hunt, where she portrayed a central character in a dramatic storyline emphasizing emotional vulnerability. This role highlighted her ability to blend with on-screen , a recurring theme in her limited filmography. Ryan's most substantial film credit came in 2014 with the independent drama We Are Kings, where she played the supporting role of Layla Knuckles, one of two struggling teen musicians who form an unlikely bond under the guidance of an angelic mentor to aid an aging blues legend. The film, which premiered at festivals and received praise for its heartfelt exploration of and redemption, also benefited from Ryan's contribution of an original song to its soundtrack, performed alongside cast members. She further demonstrated her multifaceted talents by starring in and co-producing her own music videos, often self-directing to integrate narrative elements with performance. Notable examples include her 2014 cover of John Legend's "All of Me," where she enacted a romantic storyline through intimate visuals, and the 2015 original "Alice," featuring dancer Chloe Lukasiak in a whimsical, story-driven concept funded partly via . These short-form projects allowed Ryan to explore in a controlled, music-centric format. As of 2025, Ryan's portfolio consists of roughly five credits across and video, primarily leveraging her singing prowess in ensemble or performative contexts, with no prominent leading roles emerging after 2015. Her screen work remains secondary to her musical pursuits, emphasizing roles that amplify her vocal talents rather than standalone dramatic depth.

Broadway appearances

Ryan made her Broadway debut as a in the holiday Home for the Holidays at the , where she performed alongside and Josh Kaufman in a concert-style production featuring seasonal songs backed by a live nine-piece band. The limited-engagement show ran from November 17 to December 30, 2017, marking her first appearance on a Broadway stage as part of an delivering holiday classics and contemporary tunes. In the 2010s, Ryan appeared in residencies at Atlantic City venues, including V – The Ultimate Variety Show at Trump Plaza Hotel & Casino, where her performances blended with comedic sketches in a multi-act format. These engagements showcased her versatility beyond solo concerts, incorporating theatrical elements into live variety presentations. Throughout her stage work, Ryan integrated her signature raspy vocals into ensemble numbers, earning praise as the most seasoned performer in Home for the Holidays for her commanding presence at age 23. The short runs of these productions, constrained by holiday scheduling, facilitated her shift toward live theater while highlighting her comfort on stage, informed by prior acting experience; however, as of 2025, she has not starred in a full Broadway musical lead. Relatedly, Ryan has delivered performances at major sports events, such as games at and games at , often with dramatic staging to enhance the theatrical delivery.

Business ventures

In 2018, Bianca Ryan launched Ciao Bianca, a vegan and lipstick line featuring 23 shades inspired by her song titles, designed to offer inclusive options for diverse skin tones. The brand, which is female-owned, is sold exclusively online through Ryan's website and , with products priced at $12 each and including creative names such as "Salted ," "Coca Mocha," and "Strawyberry ." By 2025, the line had grown to over 30 shades while maintaining its focus on lip products, marketed via Ryan's channels to her audience of approximately 62,000 followers and 77,000 on . Ryan has also pursued merchandise ventures tied to her music career, offering items like T-shirts and holiday-themed apparel through her online shop to generate revenue for independent releases.

Health challenges

Vocal and abdominal surgeries

In the years leading up to 2016, Bianca Ryan experienced vocal difficulties that affected her performances, prompting her to seek medical evaluation. During a routine check that year, she was diagnosed with a paralyzed vocal cord, which impaired her ability to vibrate the cords properly and led to ongoing struggles with her voice. Additionally, medical tests revealed she was at high risk for due to precancerous tissue in her . Ryan underwent in 2016 to remove the precancerous esophageal tissue, addressing the cancer risk. That same year, she had her first to repair the , a procedure that carried the significant risk of permanently ending her singing career. Following the initial vocal surgery's success, a subsequent procedure was required after an ear, nose, and throat specialist discovered abnormal blood vessels had developed on her , further complicating her condition. These multiple vocal interventions in 2016 resulted in temporary voice loss, requiring her to relearn how to speak and sing. The surgeries interrupted Ryan's music career, leading to a pause in releases and performances during this period. She publicly disclosed her experiences in a 2019 appearance on Pickler & Ben, where she discussed the nerve-wracking nature of the procedures and her determination to regain her voice, aiming to inspire awareness about health challenges faced by performers. Ryan also shared updates on , emphasizing the emotional and physical toll while expressing gratitude for her recovery progress.

Recovery and return to performing

Following her vocal and abdominal surgeries in 2016, which addressed a paralyzed vocal cord and related complications, Bianca Ryan embarked on an intensive rehabilitation process that involved relearning fundamental aspects of speech and . This included adapting to changes in her vocal mechanics after the affected her ability to vibrate her cords properly, requiring her to rebuild her technique from the ground up. By 2019, Ryan had made significant progress in her recovery, marking a pivotal milestone with her return to the stage on . There, she delivered an emotional performance of "Say Something" by , earning a from the judges and audience despite ongoing challenges from the surgery's effects. This appearance not only showcased her resilience but also signaled her ability to perform at a professional level again, as she described feeling a renewed sense of freedom in her voice. Resuming live activities, she began incorporating residencies and tours into her schedule by 2020, including virtual concerts amid the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry. Throughout the 2020s, Ryan navigated additional hurdles, such as performance pauses due to the , which shifted her focus to online engagement and remote recordings. She released holiday-themed music, including an EP in late 2020, and maintained momentum through digital platforms. By 2025, she continues to perform live shows and share updates on her career, actively posting vocal covers and announcements on , where she has amassed over 62,000 followers. This sustained activity reflects her commitment to a balanced approach, prioritizing vocal health to support long-term performing.

Works

Studio albums

Bianca Ryan's debut studio album, Bianca Ryan, was released on November 14, 2006, by and . The album features 11 tracks, including covers like "The Rose" and originals such as "Awake" and "I Wish That," produced by figures including and . It debuted and peaked at No. 57 on the chart.

Extended plays

Ryan's holiday-themed EPs highlight her festive releases. Christmas Everyday! (2006, ) is a five-track EP led by the single "Why Couldn't It Be Christmas Everyday?," which gained international popularity as a staple. True Meaning of Christmas (2009, self-released) contains five tracks, including "" and the title track "True Meaning of Christmas" featuring emphasizing spiritual themes. Ryan self-released The Reintroduction, Pt. 1, an eight-track EP in 2019 showcasing her return to post-vocal challenges, with songs like "They Wanna Be Us Now" and a cover of "Say Something."

Singles

Ryan has released numerous singles, often self-produced and distributed digitally, spanning covers and originals. Early singles from her debut include "The Rose" (2006) and the holiday track "Why Couldn't It Be Everyday?" (2006), the latter achieving notable streams during festive seasons. Post-2010 releases include covers like "All of Me" (John Legend cover, 2014) and originals such as "Broken Down House" (2014), tied to her film work. Later singles encompass "Alice" (2015, with music video featuring Chloe Lukasiak), "One Day" (2017), "Remember" (2018), "Say Something" ( cover featuring Lilly K, 2019), "" ( cover, 2020), "What the Hell Did I Do" (2020), "Stay" (2021), "Already Gone" (2021), "Lucky (Epic Trailer Version)" (2022), "I Wish That" (2022), and "Way Your Wars" (featured on Jinco's We Live And We Learn, 2025). These tracks reflect her independent career phase.

Other contributions

Ryan contributed to the soundtrack for the 2014 We Are Kings, co-writing and performing the title track "We Are Kings" alongside cast members Sammy Blue, Rita Graham, Pryce Watkins, and Jonathan "Boogie" Long. The compilation features 14 tracks blending and elements. Across platforms, Ryan's music has amassed approximately 29 million streams on as of October 2025 and millions of views on , driven by viral performances like her audition of "The Rose."

Filmography

Bianca Ryan's filmography encompasses a select array of roles in feature , lead appearances in music videos, guest spots on television programs, and performances of the at major sporting events, with most credits concentrated in the mid-2000s to mid-2010s. Her credits include several roles reflecting a focus on leveraging her vocal talents in visual media.

Films

  • 12 and Holding (2005): Supporting role as a schoolgirl.
  • We Are Kings (2014): Supporting role.

Music Videos

  • "About to Fall" by The Wrecking (2010): Lead acting role.
  • "All of Me" ( cover) (2014): Lead performer and self-produced video.
  • "Alice" (2015): Lead performer, featuring choreography with Chloe Lukasiak; directed by Jade Ehlers.

Television

Other Media

Ryan has performed the at numerous events, including NBA games and Philadelphia sports team matches, from 2006 through the 2010s, though these are not formal acting credits.

References

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  50. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/lifestyle-news/home-holidays-theater-review-1060682/
  51. https://celebmix.com/bianca-ryan-launches-lipstick-line-ciao-bianca/
  52. https://www.instagram.com/ciaobiancabeauty/
  53. https://biancaryan.com/ciao-bianca/
  54. https://www.etsy.com/shop/CiaoBiancaBeauty
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  64. https://www.instagram.com/officialbiancaryan/?hl=en
  65. https://open.spotify.com/album/1RPTQrup0PzvYTzCbR0r4t
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  67. https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-reintroduction/1466342131
  68. https://music.apple.com/us/album/we-live-and-we-learn/1788865811
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  70. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEoz6EYwbH8
  71. http://www.houlaentertainment.com/bianca-ryan
  72. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuD-Pw77Gmc
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