Over the weekend Times Square was transformed into a concert setting for Broadway on Broadway, essentially bringing Broadway performers to the street and tourists of New York. One of those performers was former American Idol contestant Tamyra Gray. She may not have had Jennifer Hudson post-American Idol success, but she was able to snag the part of Mimi in the Broadway play Rent. Tamyra sang “Out Tonight”..

The clip is grainy but you get the idea.

Tamyra spoke to Broadway.com about her part in Rent. She explained how a snowstorm study session got her the part and why she’s ‘howling’ during “Out Tonight.”

“I had really fought the audition. I live in San Francisco, but I was in L.A. and there was a nor’easter going on in New York, so I was stuck in the airport for 10 hours. I thought, “I’m just gonna go home and forget it,” and I almost did. But instead I went and got a copy of the Rent movie and spent the entire time studying it.

I didn’t understand “Without You” or “Out Tonight.” It had been almost eight years since I had seen the show, and I couldn’t put into context what the deal was with “Without You” and why she was howling in “Out Tonight.” I just didn’t get it. But I watched the movie, and everything made sense. I was like, “Okay, ‘Out Tonight’ is a performance piece, she’s at a strip club, she’s doing her thing. Got it

I am so thankful for that nor’easter, because otherwise I wouldn’t be here! It’s like one of those God things, where he’s like, “No, no, no, you’re gonna stay put.” I’m glad I was listening!”

Here’s a much clearer version of “Out Tonight” from one of her stage performances this August.

I’m hoping this new look of hers is for the play. Got that pixie thing going on.