LaKisha Jones facts for kids

Quick facts for kids LaKisha Jones
LaKisha Jones in The American Idol Experience motorcade at Walt Disney World.
Background information
Birth name	LaKisha Ann Jones
Origin	Flint, Michigan, United States
Genres	R&B, soul, gospel
Occupation(s)	Singer, plus-size model
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	2007–present
Labels	Elite Music LLC

LaKisha Ann Jones is an American singer. She became famous after placing fourth on the sixth season of American Idol.

About LaKisha Jones

Her Early Life and Education

LaKisha Jones was born in Flint, Michigan. Her grandmother, Ruth Jefferson Morris, raised her. LaKisha was an only child.

She started singing at her church when she was just five years old. She learned classical music, but her favorite was gospel music. LaKisha always dreamed of becoming a singer.

She went to school in Flint, including Flint Central High School. There, she performed in plays like Lead Poisoning. She also sang with a group called the Madrigal Singers. After graduating in 1998, LaKisha studied music at the University of Michigan-Flint. She also performed in the play Godspell during college.

Moving and Working

LaKisha moved to Houston, Texas, and lived there for six years. She worked as a secretary at a large church called Abundant Life Cathedral. Before that, she sang in the church's choir. This choir also had famous gospel singers like Yolanda Adams.

In 2006, LaKisha moved to Fort Meade, Maryland, to be closer to her family. She worked as a bank teller there. She left this job when she moved to Hollywood to compete on American Idol.

Talent Show Wins

Even before American Idol, LaKisha was a talented singer. In 1997, she won a talent show in Flint called The Supershow. In 2005, while living in Houston, she took second place in the Gimme the Mic competition.

Family Life

LaKisha Jones is married to Larry Davis, a financial advisor. They got married on October 5, 2008, in Beverly Hills, California. She has two daughters.

LaKisha on American Idol

Her Audition

LaKisha auditioned for American Idol by singing "Think" by Aretha Franklin. The judges were very impressed by her strong voice. Judge Simon Cowell said he "loved this girl." After her audition, she was shown hugging her daughter, who had encouraged her to try out for the show.

During the Hollywood audition rounds, she also sang "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" and Stevie Wonder's "Until You Come Back To Me."

Her Performances on American Idol

LaKisha performed many songs during her time on American Idol. Here's a look at some of them:

• LaKisha was declared safe and in the top three during one results show.
• Another time, she was in the bottom three but was safe when another contestant was eliminated.
• Because of a special "Idol Gives Back" performance, the Top 6 contestants stayed for an extra week.

After American Idol

Tours and Special Events

After American Idol, LaKisha toured with the Top 10 Idols. She received great reviews for her performance of "I Will Always Love You". She also sang the Star-Spangled Banner at a Detroit Tigers baseball game in June 2007.

LaKisha had two special homecoming events. The first was in Houston, Texas, where she used to live. The mayor of Houston even declared May 30, 2007, as 'LaKisha Jones Day'! Her second homecoming was in Flint, Michigan, where she was born. There, she received a check, a free lease on a new car, and other gifts from her hometown fans.

Broadway and Music Releases

In late 2007, it was announced that LaKisha would join the Broadway musical The Color Purple. She played the role of Sofia during some performances, filling in for Chaka Khan.

In June 2008, LaKisha helped coach the girls on MTV's show Legally Blonde: The Musical – The Search for Elle Woods. She showed them how to use different singing voices. In May 2008, she appeared on American Idol Extra and sang "Just As I Am" from her upcoming album.

Her first song, "So Glad I'm Me," was released on October 21, 2008. The full album with the same name came out on May 19, 2009.

LaKisha Jones also competed on the TV show The Winner Is in 2013. She sang "Lady Marmalade" but was eliminated in the first round.

Her Music Albums

Albums

EPs

Singles