So what's up with this latest and mysterious Knoxville talent who's taking over "American Idol"?
She's former resident DiDi Benami, 23. Though "Idol" refers to her hometown as "Knoxville" and says her occupation is "waitress" (making it sound as if she's a local waitress), Benami is actually a resident of Los Angeles, where she works there as a singer and waitress.
Benami does have a Knoxville connection. She says on MySpace and other Web places that she was raised in Knoxville. She was born in New York City and attended Belmont College in Nashville.
Calls to Fox to clarify more of Benami's background were not returned by press deadline.
Of the East Tennesseans competing on "Idol" this season, she is among three from the Knoxville area that were in the Hollywood Rounds. "American Idol" (8 tonight, WTNZ, Channel 43) will announce part of its top 24 tonight. Speculation is running high that Benami will be among the 12 women who'll make the cut.
Benami even melted the heart of crusty judge Simon Cowell who said of her: "I like the idea of someone like you, a waitress, coming on a show like this, doing well. That's what it is all about," he told her. Cowell called her "cool."
Benami made such an impression that the Houston (Texas) Chronicle has prematurely (and somewhat tongue-in-cheek) declared her "the next 'American Idol'" already. While it's too early to say that, Benami has certainly left her mark on the show.
The fate of the other two Knoxville-area performers have been spelled out. Vanessa Wolfe of Vonroe has already been eliminated as has Sevierville policeman Bryan Walker.
Benami also caught the eye of the "Idol" producers because of a tragedy in her past. She says she is inspired to reach her professional goals because of her late roommate, whose shocking death acted as a wake-up call for Benami.
"Idol" will announce the complete top 24 lineup on Wednesday. The first performances from the semi-finalists will begin next week.
Terry Morrow may be reached at morrowt@knoxville.com or 865-342-6445. His blog can be found at http://blogs.knoxnews.com/knx/telebuddy/.
© 2010, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
Want to use this article? Click here for options!
- |
Comments » 0
Be the first to post a comment!
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.