Bianca Ryan

Bianca Ryan, an 11-year-old vocalist from Philadelphia born in 1994, captured the 2006 crown on the reality competition series America’s Got Talent by moving singer Brandy to tears during the finale. From an early age Ryan loved to sing, and by the time she turned eight her focus had shifted toward gospel and R&B. Those interests opened doors to television appearances on Showtime at the Apollo and The Tom Joyner Show, followed by a Star Search audition that ended without a victory. On the debut season of America’s Got Talent she quickly became both a judges’ and audience favorite, drawing consistent acclaim from the panel; Brandy was so affected that she wept when Ryan’s win was declared. Later that year Columbia Records issued her self-titled debut album, which included contributions from an array of producers, among them David Foster.