Who is Dreion? Meet 'American Idol' contestant from Nebraska who hopes to heal people with the power of music
In every season of 'American Idol', it's been seen that they cast some of the best talents from across the country. Many of them are already trying to make waves in the music universe and are superstars in their own rights, even before they make it to the show, which they do courtesy of its untainted reputation over the years.
However, out of all these great singers, there are a few of them who manage to stand apart and shine differently. One such contestant that will be seen in the latest season of the show premiering on Valentine's Day is Dreion.
Dreion is an electrifying singer-songwriter, musician, producer and performing artiste from Omaha, Nebraska. His Instagram bio states that he is also a loving husband and father of an angel-faced daughter. Apart from juggling his life as a family man and an accomplished musician, Dreion also advocates a social cause that is very close to his heart. Continue reading below to know more about Dreion.
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Dreion's early life
Dreion was placed into foster care for six months which left him with a lot of traumatic experiences. In an exclusive interview with MEAWW, he said, "At the time when I was placed in foster care, I was about six years old and I was on seven different medications."
Dreion's musical education
Dreion is an alumnus of the prestigious Berklee College of Music and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Songwriting with a minor in Africana studies. He is also an alumnus of the Bill & Melinda Gates Millennium Scholarship, and Susan Buffett Scholarship program (awarded to him for outstanding academic excellence). In 2019, he was also awarded 'Performer of the Year' by the Berklee Urban Service Awards.
Dreion's musical style and influences
Dreion considers himself to be a soul therapist, according to his website. He aims to heal through his music which has a message of hope, as well as inspire, shed light, and resonate with the deepest crevices of the soul. Dreion's musical style can best be described as a combination of gospel, soul, funk and R&B.
His musical influences include Prince, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Michael Jackson, John P Kee, Kirk Franklin and The Clark Sisters among many other musical geniuses.
Dreion's advocacy for foster care reform
Having grown up in not-so-ideal conditions, Dreion hasn't let his past define his present and future. He took all the trauma and disturbing memories from the time he was growing up and channeled them to impact people across the globe through the healing power of music and his craft of live performances. His shows propagate the celebration of love, life and liberty through the universal language of music.
Dreion is a survivor, not a victim, and has faced and overcome the hazards of the foster care system and now uses his voice to stringently regulate and reform it so that the next generation does not go through the same experiences.
Prestigious events
Boston Boy and Girls Club Annual Charity Gala, the College World Series, Gillette Stadium, and the legendary Grand Ole Opry are some of the few noted events where Dreion has used his power of music to lift the spirits of the audience.
Dreion's music will also be part of the upcoming film titled 'Foster Boy' which is presented and executive produced by Shaquille O'Neal. The movie is a legal thriller that examines the abuses of the for-profit foster care placement system.
"Dreionation, God continues to blow my mind! I’m so excited to announce this incredible movie @fosterboyofficial featuring original music from my “I AM LIFE” project is coming to @bet and BET+ February 13th!!!"
"I’m so honored to be apart of such a groundbreaking movie produced by @shaq that highlights the challenges and exploitation of foster youth like myself! To all of my fellow foster youth around the world, you can do anything! Our tragedies will not dictate our triumphs!" Dreion wrote while also sharing the poster of the movie on his Instagram feed.
'American Idol' Season 4 will premiere on February 14 on ABC starting at 8 pm ET.