'X Factor' USA Drew Ryniewicz: 'Life is only going to get better'

Published Dec 5 2011, 13:30 GMT  |  By Lara Martin

X Factor USA contestant Drew Ryniewicz has predicted that her life is "only going to get better" following her departure from the show.

The 14-year-old, who had performed a stripped back rendition of 'Billie Jean' on the Michael Jackson-themed performance episode, was sent home on last week's double elimination results show after singing for survival against Marcus Canty.



Drew told Fox All Access: "I wish I would have done something upbeat. I believe I could have won if I'd really showed how versatile I could be. That was a mistake made not only by Simon [Cowell] - I know he took the blame - but also by me. I should have fought and fought and fought for what I wanted to do.

"It's a learning lesson for me and life is only going to get better. I'm 14, almost 15 - I can't wait for my birthday! - and everything is going to get better."



As for what she will take away from the show, she said: "In the beginning Simon told me to be myself. I possibly drifted a little bit from that. That's the advice I'm going to take when I go back to Arizona.

"I need to keep going as Drew and stay strong as that. I know that now and I know I can do that."

She added: "I'm looking forward to my future and doing something upbeat, possibly dancing. I'm looking forward to the excitement of singing and I can't wait to be there."



Drew received a message of support from her idol Justin Bieber following her elimination, with the popstar telling her: "Keep your head up. I lost my first competition too. this is just the beginning for u. never say never. best wishes. (sic)"

Last week's results show also saw teenage rapper Astro, who was mentored by LA Reid, sent home after it was revealed that he had polled the fewest number of public votes that week.

The remaining acts in the running for the $5 million recording contract prize are: Marcus Canty, Melanie Amaro, Rachel Crow, Chris Rene and Josh Krajcik.

The X Factor continues Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8/7c on Fox.

> X Factor USA Drew Ryniewicz Q&A: "I wanted an upbeat song"

Watch Drew's performance of 'Billie Jean' below:



Browse pictures from last week's performance show below: