Erika Schiff

Erika Schiff "Akire" is widely recognized from American Idol, a singer, songwriter and actress, known for her eclectic musical style and often cast in off-beat, sexually charged roles. A middle child, born and raised in Philadelphia, she started dancing at age 2, performed in Madison Square Garden and Merv Griffin's Resorts by age 6, and had been a member of two professional dance companies by age 11. At 12 years old was accepted into the Pennsylvania Ballet but felt her musical heartstrings pulling in other directions. She formed her first original band in the 8th grade and wrote an autobiographical song titled "Feel Good." After high school she attended the University of the of the Arts to study medical illustration but was once again more interested in a musical career. Going against all advice she left college and thrust herself into the cabaret, jazz and blues scenes of Philadelphia, picking up frequent gigs at Chris' Jazz, Ortlieb's Jazzhaus, the Tin Angel and Trocadero. She was