Meet Ultimate Idol Finalist Tera Aikens

Tera Aikens resides right here in Oneonta and has been singing publicly for around 10 years.

"I have always loved to sing but didn't start doing karaoke until I was in my twenties," she said.

Growing up her musical influences were right at home -- her grandfather and her aunt Laurie. And living in a household that valued music, it's not surprising that she struggles to name her favorite tune -- she sang Taylor Swift's "Mean," Miranda Lambert's "Over You," and Adele's "Someone Like You" so far in the competition.

"I have several (favorite songs)," she said. "Too many to name!"

She's a homemade talent with little formal musical training. She sang only in her high school chorus. Since then she practices at home, using her computer to record her singing karaoke off the internet.

Entering the Five Star Subaru Presents Ultimate Idol competition, she knew she'd see many of the same faces from past Idols, but seeing everyone's improvement, including her own, has been particularly memorable.

"Everyone is amazing this year," she said. "I think they all are (my biggest competition)."

Check out her performances below: