'Idol' finalist eager to show she can act

By Tracy L. Scott
Washington Post

Tamyra Gray plays high school student Aisha Clemens on "Boston Public." Fox 'Boston Public' 7 p.m., Mondays Fox

Gray, whose first of four appearances airs at 7 p.m. Monday on Fox, was approached by Kelley for the character of Aisha, a student who is involved with a controlling boyfriend who becomes jealous when Aisha finds her niche singing in a school play.

"From my performances (on 'American Idol'), he felt like I could act. He thought that when I took all my makeup off, I could play a high school student," said Gray, 23.

Since her appearance on last season's "American Idol," the Montgomery County, Md., native moved from Atlanta, where she had lived for more than 10 years, to pursue a singing and acting career in Los Angeles.

Although it was Gray's singing voice that gained her national attention on "American Idol," she was already busy trying to establish a career in entertainment.

In addition to doing regional commercials, Gray said she was a member of a hip-hop dance company and was working on recording a demo, exploring "every possible avenue" to become a recognized force in the entertainment industry.

"I am signed now," she said of her recording contract. "We're just getting started working on my album."

Gray said her "American Idol" experience helped her in several ways. Signing the record deal and gaining national exposure, Gray said, helped her develop self-confidence. "It taught me a lot about myself as an artist — to trust myself."