Belmont School of Music alumnus Rayvon Owen has made a name for himself on this season of “American Idol” as one of the top 4 performers in the competition. Since the beginning of the show, Owen has been wowing Idol judges and fans with his technical skills and stage presence.
Before his performance on April 22, Owen met with Idol mentor and Big Machine Records founder Scott Borchetta. Owen discussed his strategy since being in the bottom two in recent weeks of the contest and the ways he has worked to improve his performances. “It wasn’t until being in the bottom for the third time that I finally realized that you can give a good performance, but what else is there to you? It’s okay to express what you’ve gone through, your story,” Owen said. “People want to connect to that. People want to see your heart.”
With that in mind, Owen began last week with Sam Smith’s “I’m Not the Only One” and closed with Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way,” ending the performance with his signature falsetto note impressing judge Jennifer Lopez. “[That high note] was a great way to finish the show – to fight. You are such a fighter, which I love about you,” Lopez said. “You are not going down. You want to be here, and you show us that with your vocal performances.”
Belmont Assistant Professor of Music Sandra Dudley was Owen’s voice teacher while he was in college. Since going on “American Idol,” Dudley said she has continued to coach Owen from afar each week. Describing him as an incredibly talented singer that has a unique ability to compassionately connect with his audience, Dudley believes that by performing his ‘own way,’ Owen can become the next American Idol.
“Rayvon Owen is the kind of artist that can inspire generations. His character and motivation is rooted in honesty, he has the voice to penetrate any heart, and he represents excellence in music and artistic integrity,” Dudley said. “I think the world of him. I have since he walked through my door at Belmont.”
Owen said his time at Belmont has significantly contributed to his success and has prepared him for the opportunity to work with the caliber of musicians that come with “Idol.” Owen described his time at Belmont as the “playground – training ground” that empowered him to hone his craft and become an artist ready to perform on a national stage.
Moving forward, Owen said he is grateful for the fans who have followed him through this experience because without them, his time on “Idol” wouldn’t be possible. “I hope people will continue this journey with me, even after ‘American Idol’ is over, as I continue to share my heart through music.”
As a member of the competition’s Top 5 artists, Owen will go on to participate in the show’s live summer tour line up. For more information on tour tickets, click here.
