Singer-songwriter Ash Ruder, 21, never expected that an American Idol audition could bring her and her father closer than ever. Singer-songwriter Ash Ruder draws inspiration from her father Brian when she was a little girl. His piano playing became her first acquaintance with the world of musical creativity. She didn’t know much about his life and that will also be the reason why she is now on her way to Hollywood to compete on the next American Idol.

But while he inspires her now, it wasn’t always like that. Ash explained that her father had struggled with addictions throughout her young life and was rarely around. “By the time I was older, I was really angry with my dad,” Ash continued, “but the few times my dad showed up. It meant the whole world to me.”

Brian has overcome his addiction and accompanies Ash to American Idol auditions. Ash was quick to point out that it was her father’s birthday, and when the judges found out that the song she was going to perform was written by her about her father, they decided to invite him.