Ariel is Anything But Ordinary

Arizona teen Ariel Franz has been singing since she was 4 years old and has no plans on stopping anytime soon. Before she was 12 she had already recorded a pop EP and several singles. Then in a twist of fate in 2023, Ariel was singing at the Nashville Zoo as part of the Josie Music Awards weekend when she captured the attention of Curt Ryle, producer and founder of Clarksville Creative Sound. He brought her into the studio and in 4 days they had recorded enough country pop songs for an album though the songs are being released one by one. Then Curt wanted to test the waters with a new genre of country for Ariel, now 14 - traditional country. Over spring break in 2025 they recorded traditional country songs, a couple of Christian/gospel songs and Ariel recorded two music videos. 

Born March 16, 2011, Ariel Alexis Franz is the oldest of four siblings. Ariel began singing in preschool when she was 4. She took vocal lessons from her preschool teacher, Wilitez Katie Poirier (A & W Studios), and made her first public performance, when she was 5, at a beauty pageant. “I was very nervous the first time in front of so many people,” Ariel said. Ariel has participated in competitions like National American Miss and IPop (International Presentation of Performers). "IPop has helped me tremendously with my self-confidence and I appreciate the love and support of everyone there for the past 9 years,” she added.

"Ariel's journey began with Ron Patterson, the founder of IPop, when she was 6," said Jeannie Franz, Ariel's mother. "He's been her guiding angel. He is such a blessing to our children, making dreams come true.” Ariel and her family travel to different states for various competitions, and she has earned awards for singing, acting, and modeling at IPop in California and Vegas. She even got the opportunity to be the lead voiceover for Justice Angel.

“I want to be a singer and an actor and be in movies. I've been taking acting for two years," Ariel said. "I love to model and do runway walks in beautiful clothes for IPop and various events. I have sung all over by requests in the Valley since I was 5 years old.”

Her parents have many friends who are Filipino, and she performs for them, singing Tagalog (Filipino). Ariel said, “my parents are behind me 100 percent, always there for me.” She said her classmates, principal, and teachers are also supportive. Her mother, Jeannie, also sang when she was a child.

Ariel's first album, Miracles, and singles were produced by Manny Mijares in Los Angeles. Ariel also worked on a couple of songs with Dre Knight that have yet to be released. Several songwriters have reached out to Ariel asking her to sing their songs and Ariel has begun writihng her own original songs.

Her Musical Journey

Ariel was invited to sing at the Nashville Zoo as part of the Josie Music Awards weekend in October 2023, and it turned into a life-changing opportunity. Curt Ryle, founder of Clarksville Creative Sound, was there because his son, Brayden, and another CCS artist, Jaydn Rylee, were also singing at the zoo. He heard Ariel singing “Mama” and she was offered the chance to become the newest CCS artist.

"My favorite part of working with Curt Ryle is his knowledge of singing and recording as he does this himself. He strives to bring out the best in me, and he’s very patient and smart,” Ariel said. “I admire him for all of his work, he is a role model. We work very well together.” Ariel said Curt is a very big part of her musical influence. They recorded 12 songs in 4 days in one of her first visits to the CCS studio. Last year she spent winter and spring breaks in Tennessee recording new music and music videos - including country Christian and traditional country songs.

“I love country pop music as I can express myself through my music and it's magical to see how music seems to bring out the best in everyone," Ariel explained. "I love to feel the music and tell a story when I sing. I am very competitive when it comes to singing.”

“You can do anything if you want it bad enough and
are willing to work for it.”

— Ariel Franz

Ariel has been featured on a variety of radio programs including three different interviews with Tim Kelly of KICR in Branson, Missouri. “I don't know if Branson has had someone as young as Ariel perform in a theater here, but I'm all about doing something different and unique,” he said. “That's why I play the artists that Nashville knows nothing about, or won't sign because there's no room on the label. I make room to play what I call New Country's Best. Ariel is that kind of artist, and will only get better with time.” She has also been interviewed on shows in Italy, the UK, Ireland, and several in the U.S.

“I don't know if Branson has had someone as young as Ariel perform in a theater here, but I'm all about doing something different and unique. That's why I play the artists that Nashville knows nothing about, or won't sign because there's no room on the label. I make room to play what I call New Country's Best. Ariel is that kind of artist, and will only get better with time.”

— Tim Kelly, owner KICR, Branson, Missouri

What's Next?

In December, Ariel was headliner of her own Christmas concert hosted by First Baptist Church in Coolidge (AZ). Ariel joined the new contemporary praise band as lead female vocalist at a church in Surprise, Arizona in January. She recently won first place in the talent competition at her school. She continues auditioning for modeling, movie and other opportunities. Ariel began taking piano lessons in early 2026 and continues writing her own songs. 

“You can do anything if you want it bad enough and are willing to work for it,” Ariel said. “I've won the singing competition and beauty competition for IPOP for several years now, and Ron Patterson believed in me when I was 5 the first time.” She dedicated her song, "Somebody," to Patterson but he passed away and didn't get to hear her perform it live at IPOP. She has trained with actors at IPOP and been in their shows for many years. 

“My Mom says the world is yours if you continue to work hard, always stay humble and true to yourself,” Ariel said. “Dad says work hard to accomplish your goals and strive to always be the best you can be.” Ariel is available for singing the National Anthem as well as opportunities to sing as an opening act or solo artist.