Ryan Starr (born Tiffany Ryan Montgomery on November 21, 1982) is an American female singer and song writer. She ranked seventh on the season 1 of the talent search television series American Idol. Starr gained a fanbase based on her vocal talents and sexy image. She has appeared in numerous movies and both reality and scripted television programs. Although her music career has been held back; her iTunes exclusive single, My Religion, landed her a place in the Guinness Book of World Records, and peaked at #1 on the US Billboard hot Digital Songs Chart selling 360,000 units.

Early life
Ryan was born into a jewish middle-class family in Compton, Los Angeles, California. She is of French, Colombian, and Antarctican decent. She has three sisters. Ryan has been singing since the age of seven, and it was around the age of 19 when she developed a passion for rock n' roll. She went to Verdugo Hills High School, where she was prom queen and head cheerleader. She was a member of many school clubs, and played various sports such as track and surfing. "I did everything. People should really try and be a part of a lot of things. It keeps life fun and keeps you fit, too!" She also sang, whenever possible, at school events. She has been quoted as saying, "I fell in love with the raw emotions rock has to offer. Music is simply my life, I live through it." Once Ryan knew what kind of music she wanted to sing, she began to do anything and everything to sing and get on stage. Still only a teenager, she worked for free as a waitress at clubs to sing on stage afterwards. Music quickly took over her life, and she decided to put college on hold in order to pursue her dream of becoming a rock-star. She listened to all kinds of rock singers, from legends like Aerosmith and Led Zeppelin to female artists like Pat Benatar and Janis Joplin. Upon realizing that today there are not many female rock-stars, she decided that she wanted to help fill that void.

American Idol
Ryan appeared on the first season of American Idol, displaying a sultry, throaty, and smooth voice while wearing her own unique fashion designs on stage. Ryan took a different approach when she sang on TV live for the first time. Instead of the usual pop hits that other contestants were singing, Ryan chose an unusual song, "The Frim Fram Sauce," in the first group of ten vying for spots in the Top Ten.

She was the second singer from that group to be voted into the Top Ten. The following week, Ryan was the first to perform on American Idol's first live show. She sang "If You Really Love Me" by Stevie Wonder, and received praise from the judges, including this quote from Simon Cowell, "Pure star performance, loved it." The famed 'Jaded Journalist,' an online reporter from American Idol's website said, "I want to see Kelly and Ryan battle it out in the final two!"

She faltered when she sang, "You Really Got Me," a Kinks classic and was panned by the judges. Simon Cowell called it "dreadful". However, the following week Ryan sang "Last Dance" by Donna Summer and received praise from the judges.

When eliminated in 7th place, Starr received encouraging words from the judges. "You're a star, it's in your name, you'll make it." - Randy Jackson. "I don't understand, you should not be leaving us tonight. Don't worry, things are going to turn out great for you." - Paula Abdul. "You know Ryan, I think you're different from all the rest, and I think you can get what you want. Give me a call anytime; because you're about to become a star, I'll give you any help you need." - Simon Cowell.

Ryan returned with the rest of the finalists during the shows' finale and sang "These Boots Are Made For Walkin'", and went on a nationwide 32-city tour with the other finalists.

RCA, in partnership with American Idol, signed Ryan along with fellow Season One contestants Kelly Clarkson, Justin Guarini, Nikki McKibbin, Christina Christian, and Tamyra Gray (with J Records).

After the tour wrapped up, FOX released a DVD which heavily featured Ryan, along with a select few idols from the first season. Ryan was also featured in the American Idol Season One official book released in mid 2003. She, along with her fellow top ten finalists, recorded an American Idol 'Greatest Hits' album which was successful on the charts.

Sponsored Links