Katherine Ryan's Honest Playlist: Music, Memories, and Karaoke 2026

Katherine Ryan's honest playlist reveals the songs that shaped her, from Madonna's "Material Girl" to the entire score of Hamilton. In a candid interview, the comedian opens up about the music that defined her childhood, the tracks she can't resist at karaoke, and the one song that now makes her cry.

The First Song Katherine Ryan Fell in Love With

For Katherine Ryan, the first song she fell in love with was Madonna's "Material Girl." She recalls her mother singing and dancing in the kitchen to divas like Madonna and Paula Abdul, just like many 80s moms. "Material Girl made me think: 'This is who I want to be,'" Ryan says.

That early exposure to strong female pop icons clearly left a lasting impression. It's a nostalgic nod to the power of music in shaping identity, especially during childhood.

The First Single She Bought: A Triple Score

Ryan's first record purchase was a trio of albums: Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill, a Sheryl Crow single, and TLC's "Waterfalls." She bought them from Sam the Record Man in Sarnia, Ontario, using money saved from chores.

"My uncle was always trying to influence me with Canadian music, and he wasn't wrong for doing so," she notes. That Canadian connection is evident in her choices, with Morissette and Crow representing strong singer-songwriter traditions.

Karaoke Confessions: Son of a Preacher Man

When it comes to karaoke, Ryan's go-to is Dusty Springfield's "Son of a Preacher Man." However, she has mixed feelings about the activity itself. "I think karaoke is the best way to let many people know straight away that you are an attention-seeking alcoholic, so I do try to stay away from it," she jokes.

Despite her reservations, her choice of song reveals a love for classic soul and a knack for storytelling through music.

The Song She Inexplicably Knows Every Lyric To

Ryan admits she knows every word to the entire score of Hamilton, despite having seen it only twice. She even sings a few lines from "Satisfied": "I'm a girl in a world in which my only job is to marry rich. My father has no sons, so I'm the one who has to social climb for one."

Her ability to recall the complex lyrics speaks to the musical's cultural impact and Ryan's sharp memory for witty wordplay.

Party Starter: Early 2000s Hip-Hop and R&B

For a party, Ryan reaches for early-2000s hip-hop or R&B, like Daddy Yankee's "Gasolina." The infectious energy of that era gets people moving, and it's a surefire way to lift the mood.

It's a contrast to the more introspective tracks she loves, showing her versatility as a music fan. The background to this story is set out in Elaine Paige's Honest Playlist: Songs That Shaped Her Life. A related thread runs through Tricky's Honest Playlist: Songs That Shaped His Life. Earlier coverage in Shania Twain's honest playlist: Her favorite songs and stories shows how the argument developed.

The Song She Can No Longer Listen To

One song that Ryan can no longer listen to is Will.i.am's "What I Am" with Sesame Street. "It makes me cry because he's giving back," she explains. The emotional weight of the song now overshadows its playful origins. A closer look at the same subject appears in Natalie Imbruglia's Playlist: Honest Picks and Life-Changing Tracks. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Jennifer Herrema's Honest Playlist: Funk, Rock, and Raw Emotion. The same theme surfaces in Elaine Paige's Honest Playlist: Iconic Songs and Life Stories, which takes a different angle.

This reaction highlights how music can become intertwined with personal emotions and memories, changing how we hear it over time. Context on how this played out before sits in Arlo Parks' Honest Playlist: Arctic Monkeys and Prince. A companion piece, Rebecca Ferguson's Honest Playlist: From Gospel to Oasis Karaoke, approaches the same subject from another angle.

Key Takeaways from Katherine Ryan's Playlist

• Childhood influences: Madonna and 80s divas shaped her early musical taste.
• Canadian pride: She credits her uncle for introducing her to Canadian artists like Alanis Morissette.
• Karaoke ambivalence: She loves "Son of a Preacher Man" but avoids karaoke culture.
• Hamilton obsession: She knows the entire score by heart.
• Party anthem: "Gasolina" gets her dancing.
• Emotional trigger: Will.i.am's Sesame Street song now brings tears.

Katherine Ryan's Musical Tastes at a Glance

Katherine Ryan's playlist is as eclectic and honest as her comedy. From childhood memories to party anthems, her musical choices reflect a life rich with emotion and wit. For more celebrity insights, explore our celebrity blog.