"He took some lessons when he was very young and he was in the Celebration Children's Chorus. He was a very charming young man and I enjoyed working with him. He was willing to study and listened to what I had to say. I'm really proud of him, that he has achieved what he as achieved so far. He had natural talent, he really did."
-Velma Cook, vocal coach in 1991-92.
"I spent a lot of time with Drew in high school. He had a natural gift for music. He was passionate about music when I met him and he is still passionate about music. It couldn't happen to a nicer guy or anyone more deserving."
- Jason Ruttan, friend.
"The thing about Drew is that there is no act, no front, it's a pure display of heart and soul. True musicians speak from the centre out. It's in their being and it's very real. As a band mate, Drew's honesty and straightforwardness was a great comfort because it allowed us to progress. He could never put on a mask. In an industry filled with sell outs and wannabees this is a rather exceptional quality, and it makes him a great person as well as an artist."
Kevin Doner, former band mate.
"Music for Lunch was an open mic performance space for Collingwood musicians on the CCI gym stage. Jean Vanier and CCI students were also able to perform with fellow schoolmates to entertain...and make musical connections. Drew Wright and Darin Burton of Malleus, Liam Willis of Cut Short, Kyle Haight of Blobject and local recording artists Rajasi were all involved in the musical lineups. Drew was playing guitar and drums at that time with friend Kevin Doner.
"They were into a harder sound resembling Tool and Nirvana yet performing personal material as well. I remember them doing at least three or four performances throughout the month long Music for Lunch inter-high school social event. You could hear and feel that their musical talents had a future and hoped that they would continue making music as a band or independently. I wish Drew the best as a professional musician, performer and as a leading contestant of Canadian Idol."
-Matthew Pretty, former CCI student.
"Drew, you have been doing an excellent job since you started Canadian Idol...you have become a better singer throughout the weeks you have been on the show, and I just want to say congrats on making it this far and good luck. Everyone in Collingwood wants you to win. Keep up the good work."
- Ashley Mead, Canadian Idol fan.
"I am looking forward to seeing, listening and chatting with Drew this coming Friday. It has been a lot of fun over the last several weeks, watching Drew come closer to achieving his goal. To hear time and time again from the panel of judges, how 'good a set of pipes,' that Drew has and 'how you are really a nice guy,' is a testament to Drew's commitment to his own abilities and the development of them. It also recognizes that Drew has been raised in a wonderful family.
"Proud parents, Anne-Marie and Ted are well known in Collingwood as very good people. Drew and his family are wonderful ambassadors for Collingwood and small towns across Ontario. The community support is wonderful. Everyone is enjoying his success and all of us know that Drew is a winner and will succeed in his musical career. Congratulations, Drew."
- Mayor Chris Carrier.
