Tamyra Monica Gray (born July 26, 1979 in Takoma Park, Maryland) is an American actress and singer, best known for her rise to fame as one of the finalists on the first season of the reality television program American Idol in 2002. She has since expanded into acting, most notably with a recurring role on the third season of the drama Boston Public in early 2003.
That opening came in 2002 when Tamyra Gray became one of the ten finalists on the first season of American Idol, eventually finishing fourth. Her performance of the Burt Bacharach classic "A House Is Not a Home" was described by Judge Simon Cowell as "one of the best performances on television" that he had ever seen.
During the third season of American Idol, she returned to the show on several occasions to sing "Raindrops Will Fall" and "Star", songs she co-wrote for her debut album, and to sing the National Anthem 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. DeGarmo released "I Believe" on her first single album. Barrino then released "I Believe" as her American Idol single, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts.
After American Idol's debut season, Gray continued to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. She landed the recurring role of Aisha Clemens on Boston Public, appearing in seven episodes in 2003. She showcased her singing abilities famously covering Luther Vandross' "Dance With My Father" and Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You". She also showcased her dramatic acting skills in portraying a student in an abusive relationship.
She has had guest roles on episodes of Half and Half,Las Vegas, Tru Calling, What I Like About You (TV series) and All Of Us. With other American Idol alumni, she appeared on The Tyra Banks Show in 2006.
Gray joined the cast of Broadway's "Rent" in early 2007 as Mimi, and remained with the cast till mid June 2008.