When “Baby” Gets Rewritten: Judges Say Drew’s Version Outshines Bieber’s!
Every once in a while, a cover version comes along that redefines a song — not just as a tribute, but as a statement. That’s exactly what happened when a young performer named Drew Ryniewicz stepped up to the mic and sang Justin Bieber’s hit “Baby”… and left the judges saying, “You know what? I like your version better.”
✨ The Backstory: A Bold Audition
Back in 2011, 14-year-old Drew Ryniewicz auditioned on The X Factor with a daring choice: to cover Bieber’s Baby. But she didn’t just mimic the original. She transformed it into a slow, soulful, vulnerable rendition — something that bore her own artistic fingerprint. (radaronline.com)
That shift in arrangement was risky — after all, Baby is iconic, and many would hesitate to mess with a beloved pop classic. But sometimes, risk is what makes art memorable.
⚖️ Judges Weigh In: Original vs Reinvention
What made the moment remarkable was how the judges reacted:
- Nicole Scherzinger, a self-confessed Justin Bieber fan, paused — and then admitted she preferred Drew’s version over the original. (radaronline.com)
- Simon Cowell agreed, praising Drew’s ability to “make it hers.” (radaronline.com)
- L.A. Reid — who had even worked with Bieber in his career — raved that Drew’s take was “soulful and believable.” (radaronline.com)
- Paula Abdul described the performance as “commendable, original, daring, and bold.” (radaronline.com)
In short: the entire panel was won over. What does that tell us? That sometimes — just sometimes — reinterpretation can surpass the original in emotional impact.
Why Did Drew’s Version Land So Strongly?
What was it about her version that hit the judges differently?
- Emotional resonance: By stripping back the arrangement, the performance put the spotlight on raw feeling and vocal vulnerability.
- Artistic ownership: She didn’t try to be Bieber. She reimagined the song in her own voice.
- Contrast effect: Hearing a familiar melody in a different light forces fresh ears — and comparisons inevitably follow.
- Courage plus authenticity: It takes guts to stand in front of judges and audiences and say, “Here, but my way.” And Drew delivered with sincerity.
The Bigger Takeaway: Covers Can Be Creative Conversations
This isn’t just a story about one talented girl vs one pop star. It’s a reminder that music is a living art, and covers aren’t merely echoes — they can be dialogues. When an artist dares to reinterpret, they invite listeners (and judges) to re-experience something they thought they knew.
For listeners: it’s a chance to rediscover a song in a new mood or light.
For performers: it’s a chance to show depth, identity, range — not just vocal skill but vision.
Final Thoughts + Questions for You
Drew’s version of “Baby” won judges over not because she mimicked, but because she reimagined. And that’s inspiring for anyone who sings, writes, or creates.
What about you?
- Do you prefer faithful covers (true to the original) or radical reinventions?
- Is there a cover that stunned you — made you go, “Wow, that’s better than the original”?
Let me know if you want a follow-up with video clips, comparisons, or even a track list of great covers!
What do you think about SINGLE DAD Singing style? Share your thoughts in comment! ✨
