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'American Idol's' Didi Benami was living out of her car just three years ago
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"American Idol" lost another female finalist in Didi Benami. She talks about her rough experiences before "Idol," her friendship with Crystal Bowersox and Siobhan Magnus and what kind of music she'd like to do going forward.On the scrutiny of "American Idol":
I actually wasn't prepared for that. I was not an avid "American Idol" watcher, so I didn't know what to expect. Honestly, I was just being myself. I did stuff that meant something to me and I had a good time ... I'm okay, I dealt with it. It's interesting because it's a lot like my L.A. experience. You get kicked down, you gotta get back up and start over.
Can she expand on her L.A. experience?
I moved out here when I was 19. I've had crazy roommates, all sorts of ridiculous experiences. There were points when I didn't even have a place to live and I was living out of my car (from 2006 to 2007). It's been rough ... I somehow managed to find my way.
On her relief in making the Top 10:
I'm so relieved, I get to go on tour. I don't have to work as a waitress anymore, which is nice. I get to do what I love to do. It's just amazing, the fans that are already reaching out. It's amazing, it's a blessing. It's a relief to know that I will be able to make a living at what I love to do over the summer and hopefully for the rest of my life.
On the upcoming Beatles week:
I'm so bummed. I wanted to do "Black Bird," I love that song. It was either gonna be "Black Bird or maybe "Across the Universe." I was kinda going back and forth. I hadn't really started to delve into it though because I wasn't sure what was going to happen.
On what kind of music she wants to do:
Didi music! Just kidding. I'm going to go singer/songwriter kinda acoustic low-key chill relaxing music. I'm going to put my heart into what I do. It's me. Acoustic, a hint of jazz, a little bluegrass, everything I've experienced in my life.
On Siobhan and Crystal:
Siobhan, Crystal and I are very close. Crystal actually came down and stayed with me last night. They're really amazing, wonderful people and I really enjoyed getting to meet them and getting to know them both. It's hard when you meet other artists that you really connect with and you want to work with and you're put in a position to compete against each other, when really when you're singing it's not a competition, it's you showing the artist in you. It shouldn't be a competition ... I'm just really really happy to see that they're going forward and I wish them the best of luck ... They're just themselves. They're very unique. We're going to go friends for a long time. They're both gonna go really far.
On the judges' save:
It was tough. The whole crowd was chanting, that was pretty cool. Ultimately, I felt like I was going home. I thought it would be cool if they exercised the option to let me stay, I wanted to come back for Beatles week, but I was in a headspace where I was okay either way. I'm not really worried, I've had amazing support and it's just been a really crazy, cool ride. I have a lot to look forward to, I'm not at all distraught.
And to her fans:
Honestly, I got further than I ever thought I would. I'm just grateful to have had the fans and supporters that I did to get me to that point. It was very cool to meet them, I'm very grateful I had that opportunity. Thank you all so much, I appreciate all the support.
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You will go far Didi. All things considered, it doesn't seem "fair" that you left this early...and I'm so pleased that you and Crystal and Siobhan are friends. You have great taste and I really, really believe you will go far too. Never give up. You are a sweetheart and very talented. A lot of people want to see you succeed. Blessings and Love to you always and may your singing angels stay by your side forever. You were remarkably gracious under the circumstances. You are a survivor which is what you need to be in this crazy business. All the best. I look forward to your album.
Sorry that you didn't make it through, you were more deserving than others. And damn, I'd have liked to hear you sing either of those Beatle songs. Best of luck, I'll be watching for a CD release.
She didn't live in her car she lived at the White House
Didi, I am not a musician and do not know much about music. I only know that I think you have an amazing voice and you are a very beautiful young woman. Not to worry, honey, I know I WILL hear you sing a Beatle song in the future. I'm a 73 year old grandmother & great grandmother. If I could I would adopt you. At any rate,I'll be watching you. Good luck, dear.
It must be hard for the contestants to hear the judges say, "You don't really know what type of artist you want to be", then be required to sing these "theme" weeks - which may not jive with the kind of artist they WANT to be. Not every singer can sing every genre and sound great. You never hear Randy Travis singing an R&B song. You never hear Nelly singing a country tune. Yet the Producers insist upone these themes and the judges spit out the same platitudes each week. I think the judges should each pick the contestants names out of a hat each week and pick a song for them to sing. Don't wait until the final 2 or 3. Then it would at least take that complaint away.
Not sure where some people have said Didi had an attitude. She's slightly emo, perhaps, but she was in a big situation... lots of people would get emotional.
The interview here shows her class and maturity. I liked her voice - kind of a Megan Joy, who could sing better. I wish she'd stuck around a few more weeks.
Good luck to her in the future.
Totally unfair. I am in middle school and can sing ten times better than Tim Urban. You were my favorite since auditions and I hope you go far. You have much more talent than half you compeitors and I love you. Don't stop singing... I know Kara wanted to save you!