Tamyra Gray

Tamyra Gray was born on July 26, 1979 in Takoma Park, Maryland. One of twelve children, Tamyra started singing when she was very young and was often a participant in beauty pageant. In 1998, she won the crown for Miss Atlanta. As a student, she majored in business law at Georgia State University. Before she joined season 1 of American Idol, Tamyra took on different kinds of jobs like care worker, telemarketer, waitress and even started her own cleaning service. She also starred in Coca-Cola commercials but tried to further infiltrate the entertainment industry by working with big names like Lisa “Left Eye” Lopez of the group TLC and rapper DMX. Tamyra is a big fan of Celine Dion and Prince.

Tamyra auditioned for season 1 of American Idol and her talent put her through to Hollywood and onto the Finals. She impressed the judges and America with her renditions of “A New Attitude,” “A House is not a Home,” “Minnie the Moocher,” and “Fool In Love.” Tamyra was a very strong contender, but when her performance during 1980’s and 1990’s week failed to wow the audience, she spiraled down to the Bottom two and was swiftly voted off the show. Tamyra was the seventh finalist eliminated from season 1.