Biography

Has never had vocal lessons or any formal training.

Unlike most American Idol contestants, she has no lucky charms.

With the encouragement of her daughter, Brionne, she tried out for American Idol (2002).

Is the last American Idol (2002) finalist to co-star alongside La Toya London, in the play, The Color Purple, before it was closed down.

Has homes in Houston and in Los Angeles.

[on the Tony Bennett incident]: I followed my mind. Because at the end of the day, I'm in a competition and I have to go out there and be comfortable with what I'm doing.... It's hard for me to go out there and just sing it in a certain way just because someone told me to.

[on the Simon factor]: I know that when he was telling me that I was shouting, I could feel what he was saying. I wasn't shouting. He wanted me to be more confident and connect more with the song.

Singing makes me feel good. It's the food for my soul and gets me through each day and night. If I touch just one person who can relate to what I'm singing, then I've done my job. Music is my ministry.

[on choosing Carrie Underwood's Jesus, Take the Wheel, for which she sang on American Idol (2002)]: I had been struggling for a week or two, and I had lost my confidence. I kept saying, 'Lord, I know I can do this.' And then I thought about this song.... And I said, 'Jesus, take the wheel because I can't do it on my own.... And so, you know, it kept me in there three weeks more.

[on Sanjaya Malakar]: Sanjaya is like a little brother that got on your nerves all the time.... I could be like, just having a moment and he's jumping all over the place. I'm like, 'Sit down!' But I appreciate the fact that he trusted my judgment, he took my advice and that he also was there when I needed him.