Meet Ultimate Idol Finalist Terri Whitney

Terri Whitney grew up a country girl, as her hat indicates. But the humble mother from Franklin has some serious singing chops.

"I've always had music of one kind or another in my life," she said. "I grew up listening to country and pop music. I played the clarinet in high school band and sang in the chorus. Country music has always had a special place in my heart because so many country songs tell a story or have a message, and these stories or messages are delivered in a pleasant, easy way."

Whitney has cruised into the Five Star Subaru Presents Ultimate Idol top 10 relatively painlessly. She's a regular in the competition, but has yet to win. That could change this year.

"I hold myself to such a high standard," she said. "I have expectations of myself that drive me to do the best that I can. If I don't hold to that high standard, I don't feel that I've done my best."

Whitney has honed her voice naturally and without formal musical training. She prepares for Ultimate Idol performances by listening and practicing endlessly.

"I won't allow myself any room for error," she said.

Catch her in the finale on Aug. 8 at the Foothills Performing Arts Center.