Tamyra Gray

Tamyra Monica Gray (born July 26, 1979 in Takoma Park, Maryland) is an American actress and singer; she rose to fame as one of the finalists on the first season of the reality television program American Idol in 2002 and has since expanded into acting, most notably with a recurring role on the third season of the drama Boston Public in 2003.

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July 26 - 1979 - Takoma Park, Maryland - American - Reality television - American Idol - 2002 - Boston Public - 2003

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Gray began singing at an early age. She competed in several pageants and was named Miss Atlanta in 1998. Gray attended Georgia State University, majoring in business law and entertainment management.

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Atlanta - 1998 - Georgia State University - Business law

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In 2002, Gray became one of the ten finalists on the first season of American Idol. Early on, she became a clear front-runner to win the title and cemented her position with her performance of the Burt Bacharach classic "A House is Not a Home." Judge Simon Cowell described it as "one of the best performances on television" that he had ever seen.

Related Topics:
2002 - American Idol - Burt Bacharach - Simon Cowell

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After finishing fourth in American Idol's debut season, Gray continued to pursue her career in the entertainment industry. She landed the recurring role of Aisha Clemens on Boston Public, appearing in seven episodes in 2003, during which she also showcased her singing abilities. She has also guest starred on episodes of Half and Half and Tru Calling.

Related Topics:
Boston Public - 2003 - Half and Half - Tru Calling

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During the third season of American Idol, she returned to the show on various occasions to sing "Raindrops Will Fall" and "Star", both songs she co-wrote off her then unreleased album, and a song to open the final results show of the season. Gray also co-wrote the American Idol season three single "I Believe", which was performed by Idol finalists Fantasia Barrino and Diana DeGarmo. Barrino released "I Believe" as her American Idol single.

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Fantasia Barrino - Diana DeGarmo

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After being dropped by Jive Records in 2003, Gray's first solo album, The Dreamer, was eventually released on May 25, 2004 by newly formed 19 Records, a division of Simon Fuller's 19 Management. After disappointing results, Gray is no longer with 19 Records or 19 Management.

Related Topics:
Jive Records - May 25 - 2004 - 19 Records - 19 Management

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In 2005 Gray made her big screen supporting role debut in the independent film The Gospel.

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