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Tamyra Gray
Biography
Praised as much for her wide vocal range and passionate delivery as she was for her elegant style, Tamyra Gray was seen by many as the singer who, in a perfect world, should have won the first edition of American Idol. When Gray didn't get enough votes to stay on the show and less talented contestants like Nikki McKibbin did, Gray's dismissal sparked responses ranging from disappointment to outrage. However, Gray entered the contest primarily to earn more publicity for her talent, which she did even without winning it all on American Idol. Prior to the show, Gray had been singing professionally for a while, performing in musicals, at corporate Coca-Cola functions in her hometown of Atlanta, GA, and contributing backing vocals on DMX's 1998 song "Slippin'."

Born on July 26, 1979, in Takoma Park, MD, Gray was the third youngest of a dozen brothers and sisters. Her family stayed in Gaithersburg, MD, until she was 13. While in elementary school, her chorus teacher taught Gray the basics of singing, which was the only formal training that she received. When the Grays moved to Atlanta, Tamyra made the most of the city's opportunities. She formed a vocal duo, the Silhouettes, with her sister Kim, appeared in local commercials, and performed in a hip-hop dance troupe under the stage name Element.
Selected Discography
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