First public singing appearance was in church at age 7
Performed in musical productions on a Disney cruise ship
Gained a following singing her way into a finalist spot in season three of American Idol
Won the role as Effie White in the film version of Dreamgirls after beating out more than 700 others who had auditioned, including Fantasia Barrino, the winner of the third season of American Idol
Released her self-titled debut album in September 2008; it was later certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America
Won three NAACP Image Awards in 2009, including one for Outstanding New Artist
Featured in a 2010 ad campaign for Weight Watchers