Chris Rene

Christopher Rene, born on December 25, 1982, in Santa Cruz, California, is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and producer. His musical roots run deep, with his father, Rafael Leon “Googie” René, a songwriter and jazz pianist, and his grandfather, Leon René, a renowned composer of R&B and rock and roll songs. Chris Rene began his musical career in the alternative pop band Diversion from 1994 to 2002, where he contributed as a guitarist and vocalist alongside his brother Mike and Tas Szemeredi. The band released a self-titled CD, “Diversion,” in 2000, and performed at notable venues like the Red Room.

Following the dissolution of Diversion in 2005, Rene embarked on a solo career, independently releasing the album “Soul’d Out” in 2009. A pivotal moment in his career came in 2011 when he auditioned for the first season of “The X Factor USA.” He captivated judges and audiences with his original song “Young Homie,” progressing through the competition under the mentorship of L.A. Reid. Rene concluded his journey on “The X Factor” as the third-place finalist, performing original compositions such as “Young Homie” and “Where Do We Go from Here” throughout the live shows.

After “The X Factor,” Rene signed a joint venture deal with Syco and Epic Records, divisions of Sony Music Entertainment, in January 2012. This led to the re-release of “Young Homie” as his debut single in March 2012, accompanied by a music video filmed in his hometown. He released his debut EP, “I’m Right Here,” on October 2, 2012. Rene continued to release independent music, including the EP “2020” in April 2020. His career reflects a sustained commitment to music, marked by his ability to connect with audiences through personal and original storytelling.