Conversations with Didi Benami

Today we’d like to introduce you to Didi Benami

Hi Didi, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
From the moment I was a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a singer. Growing up in the vibrant heart of New York, I vividly recall sitting in Mrs. Cruz’s bilingual Spanish class, doodling my ambitions: a girl on stage, sparkling pink dress twinkling under the lights, microphone in hand.

Music has always been my heartbeat. I was raised on the legendary sounds of Celine, Mariah, Whitney, Selena, Shania, and Faith—artists whose powerful voices transcended genres and struck a chord deep within me. When my family relocated to Tennessee at the age of seven, I immersed myself in the local music scene in Knoxville. I performed in school musicals and proudly sang the National Anthem at community events, igniting a flame that would only grow brighter. My journey took a pivotal turn at Belmont University, where I crossed paths with Rebecca Joy Lear, not just a friend but a profound musical influence. Her tragic passing in a car accident sparked a fire inside me, filling me with a renewed determination to pursue our shared dreams with unwavering passion.

My path led me to audition for American Idol multiple times before, on my third attempt, I finally secured a spot in the judges’ round. By then, I had ventured to Los Angeles, embracing songwriting, mastering the guitar, and navigating the complexities of the music industry. For my Hollywood Week audition, I took a bold leap and performed “Terrified” by Jason Reeves and Kara DioGuardi—a risky choice since Kara was one of the judges. That moment was a game changer; not only did it land me in the Top 24, but it also caught the judges’ attention in a big way. It was more than just a performance to me; it was an homage to the songwriters who shaped my musical journey—the likes of The Beatles, Bill Withers, Ingrid Michaelson, and of course, Kara DioGuardi. For me, Idol wasn’t just about competing; it was about celebrating the art of storytelling through music.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d make it to the Top 10, and I owe it all to the incredible fans who poured their support into my journey. It was a milestone filled with unforgettable moments.

That exhilarating experience eventually led to the release of my single “Gasoline” in 2012 and my debut album, *Reverie*, in 2014, which came to life thanks to a successful PledgeMusic campaign. However, the fame from Idol had its downsides; some in the industry dismissed me simply because I was a reality show contestant. Undeterred, I focused on my craft, appearing in music videos like Theory of a Deadman’s “Hurricane” and Jax’s “La La Land.” I also hosted segments for The Hollywood Reporter and Idol.com, interviewing icons like J.Lo, Steven Tyler, Nicki Minaj, and Ryan Seacrest. One of the most rewarding aspects of those roles was offering encouragement to Idol finalists after their eliminations, reminding them that their journey was far from over.

As I worked with a producer in Thousand Oaks, I began informally coaching aspiring artists, sharing techniques to help them elevate their vocal performances. My producer recognized the positive impact this had, and it set me on a path towards teaching. I discovered genuine fulfillment in guiding others to unlock their vocal potential—it’s a magical moment to witness someone realize the power of their own voice.

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to learn from some extraordinary vocal coaches, but it was Ron Anderson who truly revolutionized my understanding of singing after Idol. Following my elimination, I struggled with hemorrhaging vocal cords, and Ron, along with his right-hand man, Pipe Perez, helped me heal so I could tackle a grueling 44-city tour. Ron’s journey was deeply relatable; he had lost his own voice for a year, understanding all too well the emotional weight of such a loss. His coaching methods, honed in opera houses for singers performing without microphones for hours, were nothing short of transformative.

Now, as I await the next big opportunity, my heart is dedicated to teaching voice and coaching singers. Since 2018, I’ve embraced this role with open arms, cherishing every moment. There’s nothing quite like the joy of helping others find their own unique voices.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road hasn’t been smooth by any means. One of the biggest struggles was supporting myself in Los Angeles, especially as a young woman navigating the music industry. When I first arrived, I had roommates, but after a series of uncomfortable situations, I decided it would be better to live on my own. That first year alone, I moved eight times, struggling constantly to support myself. Working as a waitress helped me make ends meet, but money was always tight. My car was broken into repeatedly, and every time I managed to get ahead, some new setback would knock me back down.

Working in the service industry had its own set of challenges, particularly before the “Me Too” movement gained traction. Sexual harassment was so normalized back then—if someone made a degrading comment or crossed a line, people looked the other way. Both in the service industry and the music scene, these dynamics left me feeling objectified, isolated, and questioning my worth. Rebuilding my confidence and reminding myself of my value as an artist and a person took constant effort.

Balancing my job with my music dreams in a city as expensive as L.A. was exhausting. It felt like I was always barely getting by, yet I kept pushing forward. Then came one of the most challenging years of my life. My apartment became infested with bed bugs, and I had a severe allergic reaction to the bites. My entire body was covered in painful, swollen marks, and I had to throw away nearly everything I owned just to escape the nightmare. My landlord’s mishandling of the situation made it worse, and eventually, I was forced to move out with almost nothing. I nearly quit everything; I felt utterly defeated and worn down.

I remember even having to call off work at the height of the infestation, desperate to handle the issue, only to have my boss think I was lying. Later, I heard from coworkers that he’d even considered firing me. Around the same time, I met Dr. Luke and his friends and was invited to his house, but I declined, terrified of accidentally spreading the bedbugs. I explained to his friend why I couldn’t go, wanting to avoid such a mortifying situation.

Months later, after waitressing all day, I found myself in a room with Dr. Luke and several industry insiders. Out of nowhere, he brought up the bedbugs, calling me out in front of everyone. I felt so small, like the butt of a joke he made, just to come off as funny or powerful in front of a crowd. Though he later apologized, the damage was done. I had tried to protect his space, and instead, he turned my honesty into a punchline. That moment reinforced just how isolating and demeaning the industry could feel, especially as a young woman trying to prove herself.

Despite everything, I found a strange freedom in being stripped of so much; by the time my next American Idol audition came around, I truly had nothing left to lose. That mindset propelled me forward, and that ended up being the year I finally made it onto the show. Looking back, all the challenges taught me resilience and helped shape the artist I am today.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an experienced artist who teaches vocal lessons and beginner piano. I specialize in vocal lessons and working on repertoire with my clients. I am most proud of the music I have created and the growth I’ve witnessed in my students. Additionally, I’ve started rescuing dogs, and I have a special place in my heart for my twelve-year-old rescue, Moo. I re-homed three other dogs before her, but I just couldn’t say goodbye to Moo. What sets me apart is the genuine joy I get from my work. I love what I do, and I believe in being straightforward with my students. Improvement comes from honesty, and if someone genuinely wants to get better, they need a teacher who will provide constructive feedback. I’m not mean, but I will be candid about the areas that need work.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is the value of taking a moment to breathe. It’s crucial to take steps toward your goals in the present moment, embracing the joy that exists right where you are. While the past is unchangeable and the future is unpredictable, you can focus on the now. By being present and intentional in your actions, you can pave the way for what lies ahead.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.didibenamimusiclessons.com (vocal coach website) and www.officialdidibenami.com (artist website)
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/didibenami.vocalcoach/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/didi.benami/
• Twitter: @didibenami
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/didibenami
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/didi-benami