SWFL’s Ryleigh Plank impresses A-list judges on ‘The Voice’

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Ryleigh started performing 14 years ago. She was having trouble finding safe gigs during the pandemic, so her mom encouraged her to try out for “The Voice.” All those years led to a moment that she said still has her in awe.

“What I really love about ‘The Voice’ is that it’s not about appearance,” Plank said. “It’s all about what they hear.”

What the coaches heard in Plank’s performance of Demi Lovato’s “Anyone” gave her the choice between two of her biggest inspirations: Kelly Clarkson and Ariana Grande.

“When Ariana turned, that was like my dream scenario, was having those two people turn,” Plank said. “So in that moment, I was just like ‘I have done the thing! Now let me just continue to put my all into this and tell the story that I was there to tell.’”

That story is deeply rooted in Southwest Florida where she spent years performing and facing her own battles. Plank said she struggled with depression from an early age.

“It was actually kind of crazy that I was singing that song because when I was 12 years old I was really struggling with depression,” Plank said. “And at that time, Demi was being so open about their trouble with mental health. I was struggling so severely with my mental health and I persevered. That is something I’m super proud of myself for, and I want people to know that it is possible, and I love them and I believe in them.”

Now she wants to use her platform to inspire others and let the world see the many sides of her through every song.

“I want to be label-less, I think, and I just want to be me,” Plank said. “And I hope that people will enjoy and accept that about me.”

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