Ron Bultongez, an immigrant who escaped the Democratic Republic of Congo as a child to settle in the U.S., has inspired many with his story and passage to Hollywood Week in this year’s season of American Idol.
The competition, which is now broadcast on ABC every Sunday and Monday, reached the end of Hollywood Week and the showcase round, with Bultongez progressing to the top 24 based on his performances throughout Hollywood Week, according to HollywoodReporter.
The 21-year-old Bultongez, who lives in Plano, Texas, is a father of one, and the legal guardian of his two younger brothers.
Bultongez’s journey on American Idol almost ended after the initial audition, however, as the judges originally chose not to put him through, but after careful consideration, Lionel Richie, a judge alongside Katie Perry and Luke Bryan, changed his vote in favor of the Congolese singer.
Along with an original yes from Bryan, the change of heart meant that Bultongez earned the golden ticket to continue the competition in Los Angeles.
The singer has made the most of his second chance, impressing the judges and winning fans across the country, progressing through Hollywood Week and showing his humility throughout.
Reflecting on the experience and where he had come from as a Congolese emigrant before his performance on Sunday, Bultongez was emotional and grateful for the opportunity.
“To be here on American Idol right now, the third day of Hollywood week, a little kid from the Congo, it doesn’t sound real,” Bultongez said, according to People.
Explaining his motivation for doing well in the competition, the 21-year-old said that he is determined to make a better life for his family, which includes a baby boy and his two younger brothers. He is now their legal guardian.
Bultongez escaped an abusive home life, according to his website. He was separated from his family at a young age, enduring years of homelessness and living in multiple homeless shelters,
“I recently became the guardian of my two younger brothers. They were in a pretty bad situation. So I decided to step up and be the man, the brother that they needed in their life — probably one of the biggest responsibilities I’ve taken on and that’s given me more fire to come perform my best here,” he said.
“This is for my family, for my son, for my brothers, for me to be able to provide them with the life they deserve,” he added.
On Sunday Bultongez performed “Home” by Philip Phillis, and before a successful performance that impressed the judges, he explained why the song had particular meaning for him.
“I did not have a home for a long time. What I have learned is that the thing about home is that it’s created by the people you surround yourself with so I think this song is pretty dope,” he said, according to the Dailymail.
With Bultongez now part of the American Idol’s Top 24, he will perform a solo and celebrity duet in next week’s episodes.
