Tamyra Gray facts for kids

Tamyra Monica Gray (born July 26, 1979) is an American actress, singer, and songwriter. She became well-known after finishing fourth on the first season of the TV show American Idol in 2002. After American Idol, Tamyra started acting on Broadway and in television shows. She had a repeating role on the TV drama series Boston Public in 2003.

About Tamyra Gray's Life

Tamyra Gray was born in Takoma Park, Maryland. Later, her family moved to Norcross, Georgia. She finished high school in Stone Mountain, Georgia in 1997. Tamyra started singing when she was very young. She also took part in several beauty pageants and was named Miss Atlanta in 1998.

Tamyra went to Georgia State University to study business and entertainment. Before American Idol, she worked many different jobs. She was a daycare worker, a party motivator, and even ran her own cleaning service. She also appeared in Coca-Cola commercials. Tamyra worked with famous artists like her friend Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes and rapper DMX. She hoped these experiences would help her get into the entertainment world.

Tamyra's Family Life

Tamyra Gray married Color Me Badd singer Sam Watters on September 2, 2006. Their wedding took place in Capri, Italy, with about 45 guests. Tamyra and Sam welcomed their daughter, Sienna Marie, on July 17, 2010.

Tamyra's Time on American Idol

In 2002, Tamyra Gray became one of the top ten finalists on the first season of American Idol. She ended up finishing in fourth place. One of her most memorable performances was the song "A House Is Not a Home." Judge Simon Cowell called it "one of the best performances on television" he had ever seen.

Tamyra also sang on the American Idol Christmas CD. She performed a solo version of "Silent Night." She also sang a duet of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" with Ruben Studdard. Tamyra appeared on the Idol Christmas Special on Fox with other finalists.

During the third season of American Idol, Tamyra returned to the show. She sang songs she had co-written for her first album. She also sang the National Anthem to open the final results show of the season. Tamyra helped write the American Idol season three song "I Believe." This song was performed by Idol finalists Fantasia Barrino and Diana DeGarmo. Fantasia Barrino later released "I Believe" as her own single, and it became a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 music chart.

Tamyra's American Idol Performances

Tamyra performed many songs during her time on American Idol. Here are some of them:

• June 18, 2002: "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going" by Jennifer Holliday (Semifinals)
• July 16, 2002: "Touch Me in the Morning" by Diana Ross (Motown Theme)
• July 23, 2002: "A Fool in Love" by Ike & Tina Turner ('60s Music Theme)
• July 30, 2002: "If I Were Your Woman" by Gladys Knight & the Pips ('70s Music Theme)
• August 6, 2002: "Minnie the Moocher" by Cab Calloway (Big Band Theme)
• August 13, 2002: "A House Is Not a Home" by Dionne Warwick (Burt Bacharach Songs Theme)
• August 20, 2002: "New Attitude" by Patti LaBelle and "Feel the Fire" by Stephanie Mills

Many people thought Tamyra would win American Idol. However, on August 21, she was eliminated from the show. The judges were surprised by the audience's decision and offered Tamyra their support.

Tamyra's Music Career

In 1998, Tamyra Gray sang background vocals on DMX's song "Slippin'." After American Idol, the show's creator, Simon Fuller, signed Tamyra to his new record label, 19 Records.

Tamyra's first solo album, The Dreamer, was released on May 25, 2004. Tamyra wrote the songs on this album herself. The album sold well, and some of its remixes, like "Raindrops Will Fall," became popular on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart.

Tamyra also sang a duet with American Idol season one winner Kelly Clarkson. The song was called "You Thought Wrong" and was on Kelly's first album, Thankful. Tamyra also helped write and sing background vocals for songs on Jessica Simpson's album A Public Affair in 2006.

Tamyra Gray also co-wrote the number one hit song "I Believe." She has been working on new music, aiming for a more club-friendly and hip-hop sound.

Tamyra's Acting Career

Tamyra Gray has had a successful acting career in both television and movies.

TV Shows and Movies

In 2003, she got a recurring role on the TV show Boston Public. She played Aisha Clemens, a student in a difficult situation. Tamyra showed off her singing skills on the show, performing songs like "Dance With My Father" and "I Will Always Love You".

She has also had guest roles on other TV shows, including Half & Half, Las Vegas, Tru Calling, What I Like About You (TV series), Ghost Whisperer, and All Of Us.

In 2005, Tamyra made her movie debut in the film The Gospel. She also had a song, "Now Behold the Lamb," on the movie's soundtrack. Her second movie role was in the 2008 film Rachel Getting Married.

Broadway Shows

Tamyra has starred on Broadway twice. In 2004, she played Priya in the musical Bombay Dreams. In 2007, she joined the cast of Rent as Mimi Marquez. She performed in Rent for over a year.

In 2011, Tamyra starred in the musical "Twist." This show was a theater version of Oliver Twist set in New Orleans. In 2016, she joined the national tour of If/Then. In 2018, she took on the role of Papa Ge in the Broadway revival of Once on This Island.

Acting Roles List

Film Roles

Television Roles

Theatre Roles

Tamyra Gray's Music Albums

Albums

Singles

• "Raindrops Will Fall (H. Hector & J. Vasquez Mixes)" (Reached number 5 on Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart)
• "Raindrops Will Fall (Remixes)" (Reached number 9 on Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart)

Other Songs

• "You Thought Wrong" (with Kelly Clarkson)