[4] Ruel was born on 29 October 2002, in Isleworth, London, to English mother, Kate Vincent, and Dutch-born and New Zealand-raised father, Ralph van Dijk.

[8] In June, Ruel made his live radio debut performing Jack Garratt's "Weathered" on Triple J's Like a Version.

Later in September, Elton John played "Don't Tell Me" on BBC Radio 1, giving Ruel high praise.

[14] In December, Tom Thum released a cover of Rag'n'Bone Man's "Human" featuring Ruel on vocals.

[19] In October, Ruel performed to a sell-out crowd in Sydney, and received the news that his single "Younger" had recently been certified gold by ARIA.

[22] On 10 January 2019, Ruel confirmed that he would appear on Hilltop Hoods' new album The Great Expanse, on the track "Fire & Grace".

[23] On 1 May, he released the lead single from his Free Time EP, "Painkiller", alongside an accompanying music video.

[30] On 10 September 2020, the single "As Long as You Care" was premiered on Triple J, before releasing later that day, alongside an accompanying music video.

In a surprise for fans, he joined DMA'S onstage for a stripped-down, acoustic performance of the unreleased alt-pop ballad.

Originally written during sessions for his debut album, 4TH WALL, the song was revived thanks to the enthusiastic response from the crowd and online community.

In June 2024, Ruel released a cover of Sixpence None the Richer's "Kiss Me"; the lead single from his fourth EP, Adaptations and first on new label Giant Records.