Tulsa-Raised ORU Grad Takes Home A Grammy

One of Oklahoma's Own won a Grammy Sunday night.

Ryan Tedder, the lead singer for the band OneRepublic, was born and raised in Tulsa. He has become one of the most sought-after producers in the industry.

The worldwide smash "Apologize" is one of dozens of hit records produced by the Tulsa native.

"Right from the get-go I think he was interested in producing because he was really interested in writing. That's what he loves to do," said Tedder's mother, Marlene Cunningham.

His mother and stepfather, Marlene and Philip Cunningham, still live in Tulsa where they've watched Ryan take the music industry by storm.

The Oral Roberts University graduate moved to Nashville after college and it wasn't long before he got his first break.

"He's coming from Tulsa to do an original song called 'The Look.' Give it up for Ryan Tedder," said Dave Holmes with MTV.

Beating out 600 contestants in a 2000 MTV talent search hosted by N'Sync's Lance Bass.

Tedder decided to pursue music full time in Los Angeles.

"He found some friends, got them out there and they formed a little band. It happened to be called OneRepublic," said stepfather Philip Cunningham, "Apologize' went viral on MySpace and he had just produced it with his own equipment in his bedroom."

"Disney World picked up 'Good Life' and that's what they're using on their commercials," said Marlene Cunningham.

As his star grew, so did the demand for songs written and produced by Ryan Tedder.

Tedder wrote the tune that took Leona Lewis to the top of the charts.

His behind-the-scenes work with Adele helped earn him two Grammy nominations this year.

"He would tell you that he could do it 24 hours a day because he just loves it. And it doesn't matter if he's made a lot of money or not. He just really loves to do it," said Marlene Cunningham.

Tedder did walk away with his first megaphone Sunday night for Adele's album of the year which he helped produce.

Tedder's band OneRepublic also performed at the official Grammy after-party.