"At every stage of a lengthy judging process, Ruby Ibarra kept coming out on top — an emotional and startling performance unlike anything else we saw this year."

"Ruby’s stunning submission, 'Bakunawa,' covers all the bases: beautifully arranged music, passion and, above all, authenticity. We’ve never seen or heard anything like Ruby Ibarra. She’s special and she’s ready."

"Ruby Ibarra’s music is true to her roots. But it’s far from an homage: It’s true to the reality of so many 2nd generation immigrants who are simultaneously refashioning and honoring the culture of their ancestors."

"Ruby is blazing a trail with a sound that many more people need to hear."

"I was captivated by Ruby’s performance – the intensity, the intergenerational musicians and the complexity of the sound."

"Ruby and her all-female band have a clear passion to embrace history and culture in a modern way. The song is a groove and she's a star."

"I was moved by the intergenerational performance of Ruby‘s submission. I wish her lots of luck on her upcoming tour!"

"The melodies, the switch up to rapping — pure skill!"