Oklahoma City, OK

After the first season of television's American Idol became a phenomenal success, a slew of imitators soon followed, including a talent search on NBC's Today Show. Competing as one of six finalists was Kristy Starling, a college student from Oklahoma City, and although she finished second, her impassioned performances impressed Grammy-winning producer David Foster. Shortly after the contest, Starling found herself signed to a major label and working with Foster on her debut album. She professed early on that she wanted to sing contemporary Christian music, which would present more of a challenge in the star-making process, but Warner Bros.' Christian division decided to take a chance and Starling found a home at Word Records. With her first single, "Water," gaining airplay on both Christian and pop radio stations, her self-titled debut disc was released in April 2003. ~ Aaron Latham