Photo Credit: FOX

Kristy Lee Cook

Age:

24

Hometown:

Selma, OR

Philadelphia auditioner Cook – who sold her horse Montana to pay her way to sing for Simon - wowed the judges with a country version of “Amazing Grace” before making it to the Top 12.

Signed to Arista Records in 2001, Cook was the first artist to ink a deal with Britney Spears’ now defunct production company and Spears was even in talks to star in Cook’s music video.

Calling LeAnn Rimes and comeback queen Whitney Houston her musical influences, this kickboxing cage-fighter – who was subject to a sex-scandal hoax early in the season – is a favorite of the judges for her country-tinged vocals and girl-next-door appeal.