John Ondrasik

John Ondrasik is a platinum-selling, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and pianist who records and performs under the stage name Five for Fighting, a term borrowed from ice hockey's rulebook. The name refers to the five-minute penalty for fighting in the sport, reflecting Ondrasik's lifelong passion for hockey. He earned a degree in applied mathematics from the University of California, Los Angeles, while developing his skills as a songwriter and performer.

Ondrasik made his major-label debut with the album "Message for Albert." He has released six studio albums, including the platinum-certified "America Town" and "The Battle for Everything," as well as the Top 10-charting "Two Lights." His single "Superman (It's Not Easy)" from "America Town" became an anthem following the September 11 attacks and led to a performance at the Concert for New York at Madison Square Garden alongside artists such as Paul McCartney, The Who, Elton John, and Billy Joel.

"The Battle for Everything" produced the high-charting single "100 Years." The song "Chances" served as the end-title track for the film "The Blind Side" and reached the Top 10 on the Hot Adult Contemporary chart. Ondrasik's songs, including "100 Years," "The Riddle," "World," "Chances," and "Easy Tonight," have generated more than two billion streams worldwide. The album "Slice" was created in collaboration with Academy Award-winning and Tony-nominated composer Stephen Schwartz.

Ondrasik has used his platform to address national and global issues. He traveled to Ukraine after the Russian withdrawal from Kyiv to film "Can One Man Save the World?" with the Ukrainian Orchestra at Antonov Airport. He performed in Tel Aviv's Hostage Square in support of families affected by the Hamas attacks and released a version of "Superman, for Alon and the Hostages" in coordination with Idit Ohel. Following Alon Ohel's release from captivity, Ondrasik performed "Superman" with him in Washington, D.C.

In addition to his music career, Ondrasik is active in philanthropy and business. He compiled five albums for distribution to United States troops, with over a million copies given away. Through a video charity website he founded, more than $250,000 was raised for organizations such as Augie's Quest, Autism Speaks, Fisher House Foundation, Save the Children, and Operation Homefront. He co-founded Let Music Fill My World, an organization dedicated to expanding access to music education in schools. Ondrasik also contributes to his family's manufacturing company, Precision Wire Products, and is a keynote speaker, sharing insights on music, entrepreneurship, and leadership.