Ayla Brown - 2006 American Idol Finalist Ayla Brown

American Idol announced their 2006 finalists - 12 men and 12 women. Among the female finalists was seventeen year-old Ayla Brown of Mass. I must say that, at first, I wasn't convinced of Ayla Brown's talent and remain a not-so-big-fan of her raspy voice... but Ayla is poised and seems unfazed by the media and attention. Tonight will be telling for Ayla as he must compete against her peers - I suspect that she will pass the early rounds as her looks and decent sound will be enough. I do not think that Ayla Brown will be a top 8 finalist though!

Feb. 20th Ayla Brown Update

Fox posted their Ayla Brown factoids - the night before the first week of voting begins (Tuesday is the women's competition, Wednesday is the men's, and Thursday is the voting). Below are the Ayla Brown facts from Fox:

Age: 17
Hometown: Wrentham, MA
Audition City: Boston
Favorite Female Artist: Celine Dion, Christina Aguilera, Whitney Houston
Favorite Male Artist: Luther Vandross, Josh Groban, Boyz 2 Men

February 28th Update for Ayla Brown

Ayla Brown had a really interesting night. Altough I didn't enjoy her "I Want You to Need Me" rendition - the judges were all (and I quote) 'surprised' at her growth and strong performance. I still think that she is too robotic and doesn't have the best - or most exciting - voice OR personality. That said, Ayla will be saved be a few things: 1) her good looks, 2) her work ethic and 3) a couple disasterous performances from Brenna, Heather and Kinnik!

THE 24 AMERICAN IDOL FINALISTS (SEASON 5)

Ace Young
Ayla Brown
Brenna Gethers
Bucky Covington
Chris Daugherty
David Radford
Elliot Yamin
gedeon mckinny
Heather Cox
Jose “Sway” Penala
Katherine McPhee
Kelly Pickler
Kevin Covais
Lisa Tucker
Mandiza Hundley
Melissa McGhee
Paris Bennett
Patrick Hill
Rebecca O’donahue
Robert Bennet
Stephanie Scott
Taylor Hicks
Will Makar

Note: As the 2006 American Idol season continues, I will continue to update these individual singer and performer guides with information about each of the Idols. Enjoy the guides and feel free to let me know if there is information I've missed or should post!