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Southeast Texas native, Kree Harrison, 22, has kept her word and is definitely “in it to win it” with only two contestants remaining on the 12th season of the popular TV show American Idol.

Harrison was in the top three when Angie Miller, 19, of Beverly, Mass. was eliminated because of having the fewest votes. Now, Harrison will compete with Candace Glover, 23, of St. Helena Island, S.C. for the top prize of a recording contract.

With her upcoming birthday next week, a win would certainly be a gift that keeps on giving.

“Kree is very excited,” said Beverly Mire, Kree’s grandmother, about the finals.

Harrison who lived in Woodville as a young girl, had becoming a star on her mind from the start. Harrison began performing at an early age when she was three years old. As a young girl, she performed at the Jasper Lion’s Club rodeo and area ball parks singing the National Anthem. She also attended Bridge City schools before making her way to Nashville.

“I think she is a good representative of Southeast Texas,” Mire said.

Harrison loves Texas and is a compassionate person who always thinks of others, Mire added.

During a recent press conference, Harrison said it is the fast paced lifestyle of being on American Idol which is “difficult” but feels in the end it will all be worth it. Harrison not only has the grueling time crunch on her practices before the next show, but also makes public appearances. Going to a children’s hospital was one of her favorite things to do outside of performing.

“It’s such a big step in your life to do something like this,” Harrison said.

When asked if it was everything she ever dreamed of, she replied, it is a lot more than she ever thought.

“To be able to do this for the rest of my life would be like living a dream,” she said.

Harrison was 14 years old when she wrote her first song, “Bring Me Sunshine.”

One of her biggest moments on American Idol, according to Harrison, was when she connected to the lyrics of the song, “See You Again.”

Harrison’s genre is typically country music, even though she can belt out a mean blues melody. However, country singers have proven to do well in singing competitions. Others who lead the way have been Carrie Underwood, Scott McCreery and Tate Stevens from the X Factor.

During the finals this Wednesday, Harrison will have the continued strong support of her family, brothers Corey Harrison and Michael Johnson, her sister, Lacey Bruce and her grandmother, who will all be in attendance.

Mire said she is “so proud” of Kree and hopes the fans will continue to vote for her so she can win.

Her Aunt Penny Harrison will not be at the show in Los Angeles, California, but instead will host a party from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday for the American Idol results show. The party will be at the Boudain Hut, located at 5714 Gulfway Drive in Port Arthur.

“We are all excited,” Penny Harrison said. “I think she is going to win it.”

Penny Harrison said if Kree should win, she thinks the fame would not taint the rising star and she would remain “sweet” and “humble.”

Penny Harrison will bring her favorite “good luck charm” to the party which is a guitar owned by her niece. The guitar, lovingly name “Julie” has been left behind by Kree so she can play it during her visits. The guitar is donned with a wig and sunglasses in honor of Kree. Penny Harrison has hosted weekly parties with friends and family to see Kree perform. She sent a picture to Kree in the form of a text to which she replied that she thought it was “funny.”

“Anybody that wants to come is welcome,’ Penny Harrison said. “Be there or be square.”

It is the hopes of her family and friends in Southeast Texas, she will go far and win American Idol.

“We need votes and prayers for Kree,” Mire said.

The shows airs 7 p.m. Wednesdays on Fox with the results of the voting being 7 p.m. Thursdays.