Ron Bultongez

American Idol Finalist, Ron Bultongez, and Texas Piano Man, Robert Ellis, join Fortitude to tell their incredible stories and share their talents with us. Inspiring stuff here.

Hear his amazing story.

We are joined by the amazingly talented singer-songwriter Ron Bultongez who was a top 24 finalist on American Idol where he left Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan in awe of his voice. Ron’s dreams have taken him from growing up in the Democratic Republic of Congo to being named the “Hometown Hero” of Plano Texas.  His inspirations range from the pop style of Justin Bieber, the bluesy grooves of John Mayer, folky touch inspired by Ed Sheeran, and the modern pop-rock of James Bay.Music saved Ron’s life when he needed a way to escape. He first sang in the 6th grade choir. Later, friends offered Ron a keyboard and an acoustic guitar and he taught himself how to play both, using emotions to create rather than any formal training. However, music was something that came to him naturally and not something he ever dreamed of pursuing as a career. Ron’s music tells a story and he has a message to share with the world. Ron brings us a top 5 smooth that includes John Mayer, Sam Cooke, James Brown, Aquilo, and Chris Stapleton. His newest single "Get Back Up" is the perfect song with the perfect message for these crazy times. Ron also helps us create the Smoothometer 2.0 with some new metrics to help the smooth get smoother and we learn "there's no wrong with the smooth". 

Brent and Jared welcomed Ron Bultongez to episode 72 of the Breaking Business Barriers podcast.Ron shares his story of what his early years were like as a child growing up in the Congo (Africa). He recalls a deep sense of community along with very difficult living conditions-even life threatening.There was a great amount of unrest in his homeland and he along with others made their way to the United States - New York city specifically. Can you imagine not even being a teenager moving across the globe to an advanced foreign land?Ron's story is nothing short of breathtaking along with being filled with inspiration. From the Congo to American Idol and beyond, Ron isn't just a talented musician, he's a college student, parent and someone focused on being a difference maker.Ron can be found across all major social media outlets.Preview Ron's newest single here: Fanlink.to/GetBackUp

Check out this interview with Ron B. where we discuss his musical story and what he's up to these days. Great bits of advice at the end."It all starts with a song... do at least one thing every single day that bumps the needle closer to where you want to go."Don't miss it! 

Ron Bultongez is living the American Dream from growing up in the Democratic Republic of Congo to being named the “Hometown Hero” of Plano, TX to becoming a Top 24 Finalist on American Idol 2018, where he left Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan in awe of his voice. Ron’s dreams have taken him far. His journey, depth, and spirit are evident in his smooth yet raspy vocals and his bluesy, soulful songwriting.

Welcome to "Meet the Musicians" with Jake Laughlin. On this episode we have Ron Bultongez & Aronn Mendoza.

Ron Bultongez is turning heads (and ears) to Plano, TX: raised in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ron moved to the U.S. to escape the country's turmoil and he's now fully living the American Dream in the State of Texas.Ron became a household name after his appearances on ABC’s American Idol and NBC’s The Voice, where Ron stunned audiences with his talent, his powerful story about overcoming adversity and his activism efforts. Tune in to learn more about Ron and to find out how he became 'the son of Plano'!

He was in real, physical danger. He said, “There was a time when I used to think that my father was going to kill me. So, I used to stay up late at night, tucked in the corner of the room.” At school, people would ask Ron Bultongez about the bandages and bruises, but he was too afraid, to tell the truth. So, he lied. A set of experiences that would make most, if not all, of us, want to forget about our early days and move on. But, Ron Bultongez was different. He decided to use his story in order to show others the path, from being a victim, to becoming a survivor, and ultimately turning into an advocate. An advocate for those who’ve experienced physical or mental abuse in the household.An advocate for those whose voices are often not heard.“The quickest way to lose hope, is believing you’re alone.”EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:On Life: Understand that life is unfair and difficultOn Adversity: You don’t have to go through it aloneOn Impact: Focus on changing one life, one day at a timeOn Odds: Switch your mindset from “probability” to “possibility.”