The Definitive Didi Benami Fansite

Watch: Didi Benami stars as Amber “Hurricane” Smith in Theory of a Deadman’s new music video

DBF — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 06:14:23 +0000

There’s a different side of Didi Benami we have not fully seen yet– her acting abilities. The long awaited concept music video for Theory of a Deadman’s current single “Hurricane” from their fourth studio album ‘The Truth Is…’ shows us that artistic side of Didi.

The very creative video shows frontman Tyler Connolly losing his ‘Bad Girlfriend’ Amber ‘Hurricane’ Smith to fame and fortune when she wins a televised singing competition. Connolly gets left in the dust as Ms. Hurricane ditches him for partying and shopping as she steadily becomes a natural disaster. Look for an appearance by comedic actor Andy Dick in the clip.

When we had the chance to talk to Connolly about the types of songs on ‘The Truth Is …,’ he said, “For us it all comes down to balance. There’s I guess this perception about us being just I don’t know misogynistic to party band to dirty rock but for us we always have songs like ‘Bitch Came Back’ or ‘Lowlife’ but then we do have the songs like ‘Hurricane’ and ‘Easy to Love You’ and ‘Outta My Head’ that take on – not necessarily a lighter side — but maybe a different aspect.” via LoudWire

From Yahoo Music: ‘Idol’ Alum Didi Benami Plays Fallen Idol in Theory Of A Deadman Video by @LyndseyParker

Considering that Didi Benami, who placed 10th in Season 9 of “American Idol,” was portrayed as that season’s token emotional mess (she was often shown sobbing or breaking down), it’s amusing that hard rock band Theory Of A Deadman just cast her as an emotionally messy “fallen Idol” in their new music video, “Hurricane.” Didi does a fantastic job, and now it seems like she’s having the last laugh.

In the high-concept video, Didi plays Amber “Hurricane” Smith, the winner of a TV singing competition called “Overnight Sensation,” who goes right off the rails before the confetti from that fictional reality show’s finale has even been swept away. She overspends on a McMansion. She chugs Cristal. She treats her poor personal assistant like crap. She throws tantrums. She get plastered across the cover of every tabloid…and gets plastered in general. She hangs out with Andy Dick. She loses all her money. She basically packs a “Behind The Music’s” worth of hard living into four minutes. And she’s eerily convincing.

Does Didi Benami have an acting career ahead of her? That remains to be seen. But clearly Hurricane is the role that she was born to play.

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THR: “I now know what Katy Perry was singing about!” -Didi Benami as ‘Hot Mess’ in New Theory of a Deadman Video

DBF — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 06:12:33 +0000

From The Hollywood Reporter: ‘American Idol’s’ Didi Benami Stars as ‘Hot Mess’ in New Theory of a Deadman Video by @ShirleyHalperin

American Idol season 9 alum Didi Benami landed a starring role in the new Theory of a Deadman video. Cast as a sort of “fallen idol,” the Tennessee native plays “Hurricane,” which also happens to be the name of the song, a pop star hopeful who wins an Idol-esque contest then promptly spirals into train wreck territory complete with (faux) tabloid magazine covers, drunken club nights with (the real) Andy Dick and even some girl-on-girl action. (In a curious twist of fate, the song was co-written by former Idol judge Kara DioGuardi.)

The clip’s narrative finds Benami, aka Hurricane, coming full circle, starting out a fresh-faced hopeful, then experiencing overnight success, riches and the ultimate downfall. The song is the fourth single from the band’s 2011 album, The Truth Is…

“I’ve been taking acting classes for a very long time, and part of what I’ve learned is to find that place inside yourself and imagine that you’re in the circumstance that you’re given,” Benami tells The Hollywood Reporter. “It’s not difficult, but I felt really sad and had a hard time snapping out of it after we were done shooting.”

Indeed, Benami even dons the same dress she wore during her final performance on Idol — aptly, the song was “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted” — which she hadn’t worn since her elimination. “Honestly, it felt a bit odd to put it on again,” she says. “I had kept it in my closet and thought about giving it away because I couldn’t stand seeing it. It reminded me of Simon’s ‘swimming through jelly’ comment. But I realized how pretty it was and how I felt when I first tried it on and how I fell in love with it. It was my suggestion to wear it in the video, and I’m glad because I got to give it new meaning.”

Idol viewers might be slightly shocked to see a ready-to-party Didi Benami, with her hair teased out, heavy makeup on and playing tonsil hockey with two Sunset Strip babes, but she says it was all part of the job. Still, she admits, “I now know what Katy Perry was singing about!” Benami says she was “really nervous” at first about the scene, which was a last-minute addition to the treatment. “Portraying me as a hot mess and kissing a girl, it’s not necessarily anything I would do in my real life, but I take my job seriously.” However, she adds, “They had really soft lips!”

So what does become of the broken hearted? “After being on a show like American Idol or any ‘overnight success’ show reality set in, and it can be sad and bittersweet where all of a sudden you feel cut off from the family that’s been around you for months and you don’t really know what’s next,” Benami explains. “It can easily become a mind game that you can get lost in if you’re not careful and don’t continue working hard and honing your craft to the fullest extent. So you have to stay positive and look at what you accomplished as a platform and take every good opportunity you can.”

Words to live by. Watch the video for “Hurricane” above. Popular Posts:

Didi Benami, AI alums and more join “Summer with the Stars” 2012 in Riviera Maya, Mexico!

DBF — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 23:16:33 +0000

All Inclusive Collection – the brand that is shifting the sands of the all-inclusive resort experience – presents “Summer with the Stars” happening June 18 – 23, 2012 at Aventura Cove Palace [soon to be rebranded Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya in early 2013]. With an all-access pass for the ultimate all-star weekend, guests kick off their summer in style while participating in a multi-day event full of exciting performances, parties, contests and more. Guests will spend the week interacting with some of the nation’s favorite actors, reality stars and American Idol finalists.

Summer with the Stars at Aventura Cove Palace hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro from The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, begins with a Welcome Reception where guests mix and mingle with their favorite celebrities, followed by an intimate performance from a few American Idol and X Factor favorites. Tuesday, June 19, guests can party poolside in A-List style while taking in special star appearances throughout the day. Later that night, guests bring their best moves to the DJ and Dance Party, hosted by recording artist and American Idol finalist Blake Lewis and Step Up 3D’s Rick Malambri. Participants can even join in the high-energy, freestyle dance off for a chance to win exclusive backstage passes for events throughout the week.

The PopStar! Karaoke Contest gives guests the chance to channel their inner rock star and compete for an opportunity to be selected as a finalist to be the opening act of the All Star Jam Thursday night. Providing the ultimate opportunity for guests to experience an up close and personal live concert with the stars, The All Star Jam boasts a star studded roster including American Idol finalists Aaron Kelly, Blake Lewis, Didi Benami, Katie Stevens and Tim Urban., The X Factor’s Drew Ryniewicz and Nick Dean.

A PopStar! Magazine VIP Backstage After Party will follow the show and give backstage guests the chance to meet and greet each of the Summer with the Stars artists. Sponsoring the event with sweepstakes PopStar! Gives guests the ultimate chance to win big this summer. Vacationers and celebrities then come together for a final summer celebration on Friday, June 22, engaging in friendly competition at the Farewell Beach Olympics, facing off in activities including relay races, beach barbeque and various water activities.
Among the other celebrity guests participating in Summer With the Stars are, Zeke and Luther’s

Daniel Curtis Lee, Jessie star Chis Galya, Suite Life of Zack and Cody’s Adrian R’Mante, The Twilight Saga’s Kiowa Gordon, Pretty Little Liars Tyle Blackburn and American Idol finalists including Brandon Rogers, Karen Rodriquez, Matt Giraud, Michael Johns and Mikalah Gordon. via Press Release

Last year, Didi along with many familiar faces attended the first “Summer with the Stars” in Cancun, Mexico. If this is going to be an annual happening with the AI stars on the list, we need to be saving up for next year’s event!!

Special Shoutout and #FF to @mjohnsonline @BlakeLewisArmy @SmrWiththeStars who are also covering the latest via Twitter | Check out Summer with the Stars On Facebook | Watch out for photos and videos later…Popular Posts:

Vote for Didi Benami’s #Gasoline on Wise Radio’s Music Challenge poll via @Wise_Radio @DidiBenami

DBF — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 15:25:56 +0000

UPDATE: July 7th- So Didi is still on the Wise Radio’s Music Challenge for the 5th week! She was steady at Number 5 last week but we currently need the extra help! She garnered over 5k votes- a huge up from the last four weeks she’s been on the poll, however, she slipped into number 10 this week… Get your votes on dear fans. Let’s do this!! Thank you as always:)

UPDATE: June 24th: Thank you to each and everyone of us, Didi managed to sneak up at Number 5 this week!! Yay! Please, please vote some more! Each week Didi is on the poll, she will get the extra airplay for “Gasoline”. You can always request the song #Gasoline on Wise Radio by mentioning @Wise_Radio on twitter.

TRIVIA: Didi is the ONLY rose among the 11 gentlemen who are on the poll! Vote for Girl power this week!! We’re counting on you. Let’s do this for Didi! Thank you as always for the support.

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June 19th: Currently at Number 8 on Wise Radio’s ongoing weekly music challenge poll on Facebook is Didi Benami’s debut single “Gasoline.” The song is included as one of the 12 favorite songs on the popular online radio channel’s voting poll.

Last week, Didi was at Number 10 and moving up this week at magic 8!

We are going for a higher spot next week! Please help us meet the goal. Voting ends every Friday at 8pm eastern time.

The rules are simple. Vote as many times as you can. You don’t even have to have a Facebook account to click on the “vote” button. Each week, “the votes are tallied and the two songs with the lowest vote total will drop off each week to be replaced with new entries. Any song that makes 3 appearances at the #1 spot will be retired as a Music Challenge Champion!”

Blare Levoir’s “Who’s Crying Now?” and David Cook’s “The Last Song I’ll Write for You” are the past two winners of the challenge.

To VOTE for Didi, visit the page on Facebook.

Wise Radio is online playing cool gem of songs from indie artists, on your computer 24/7! If you are an American Idol fan, you’ll love this station! They are huge supporters of artists and musicians who have been a part of the competition show. We listen to this station a whole lot and we are grateful for their support not only to Didi but to all Idol artists they feature and whom we love as well.

Founded in May 2011, “the station was created to help get the music of new artists heard. It’s not an easy thing to do when traditional radio is so controlled, which makes it very difficult for those artists who are just starting out. But there’s some amazing music out there, that sadly enough isn’t being played on any station. Our goal is to help change that for the artists that we feature…”

Follow them on Twitter: @Wise_Radio and say hi!

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Didi Benami at the Los Angeles Dodgers vs Milwaukee Brewers Game at Dodger Stadium, LA (Photos)

DBF — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 07:29:59 +0000

MAY 30: Didi Benami performs God Bless America during the seventh stretch of the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Milwaukee Brewers on May 30, 2012 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California.

Unfortunately, the Dodgers lost that night with a 6-3 win for the Brewers.

Photo by: Getty Images

Didi also posted a photo on her official Facebook page with this note:

Nancy Bea and I rehearsing God Bless America before the Dodgers game. Proud to say I have fulfilled something I’ve always wanted to do… Sing at a MLB game Thank you to those that made that happen!:) Go Dodgers!

@SallyColonMgmt on Twitter posted this pic with a caption: “Great night 4 @Dodger game! On the field about 2 hear @Didibenami sing the National Anthem! Then eating a Dodger dog!”

@DidiBenami: “So much Fun! thank you So much Sally, Joel, and Stephan for coming tonight. it was a blast and you all are so amazing ”

PA Photography posted this on Didi’s Facebook timeline:

and another one on Twitter:

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American Idol.com: Didi Benami Twitter Q&A Transcript #IdolAlumniLive

DBF — Fri, 25 May 2012 06:54:24 +0000

May 25th – Season 9′s lovable Didi Benami took to Twitter to talk about her new music, the Idol finale, and Season 9 with YOU. Here is the transcript from the Twitter Q&A session:

@DidiBenami – I’m chatting with #idol fans LIVE at 8pm ET/5pm PT today. Ask me your questions with #IdolAlumniLive

@IDOL_Insider – @Didibenami What’s the inspiration behind your single, “Gasoline?” ‪#IdolAlumniLive

@DidiBenami – @IDOL_Insider well hello there!! The answer to your question is…it’s a broken relationship I had shortly after my run on the show

…meeting the love of your life… And then losing them to someone else

@johnmarc – @AmericanIdol @Didibenami whats the best thing about being part of alumni of the idol family ?

@DidiBenami – @johnmarc @americanidol the best part of being apart of the idol family- where do I start- its like home away from home- I’ve met some of my best, closest, most genuine friends through this adventure- and made some of the craziest & best memories ever

@BRILLiantTV – @didibenami are you nervous about putting our your debut single this week? #IdolAlumniLive

@DidiBenami – @BRILLiantTV I sure am! But also very excited because I’ve been wanting to share this with you all… This is a gift!!

@pokeque – @didibenami Ur single is worldwide release or only in US? ‪#IdolAlumniLive ‪#idol

@DidiBenami – @pokeque we’re working on that. It will be!! Thank you for asking ‪#IdolAlumniLive ‪#Gasoline

@Chesta99Cp – #IdolAlumniLive @Didibenami Will you possibly be writing a song with Justin Bieber?

@DidiBenami – @Chesta99Cp I would love to write a song with him that’d be a trip- he’s a good kid! I saw him on Ellen

@MarisaLynn2013 – @Didibenami What kind of music genre would you place yourself in? ‪#IdolAlumniLive ‪#Gasoline

@DidiBenami – @MarisaLynn2013 foremost it’s therapy…! Pop, Singer-Songwriter genre ‪#IdolAlumniLive ‪#Gasoline

@IDOL_Insider – @Didibenami What was it like hosting the live red carpet for http://AmericanIdol.com at last year’s finale? #IdolAlumniLive

@DidiBenami – @IDOL_Insider sooooo much fun!!!!! Especially interviewing Tim McGraw! Surreal!! All the kids from season 10 were really sweet! oh and @IAmCaseyAbrams is a hoot!!! Love him! As well as miss @HaleyReinhart Can’t wait for her album & luv @Naima_Adedapo

@Beaconator – #IdolAlumniLive @DidiBenami Are you going to be back on @THR to cover #idol next season? do you still want to?

@DidiBenami – @Beaconator I’d love to!! We’ll see… next year is going to be really busy for me. #IdolAlumniLive @THR

@Daine_Waeyaert – @Didibenami We never hear about your love life. Are you dating or seeing someone special? ‪#IdolAlumniLive ‪#Gasoline ‪#Idol

@DidiBenami – @Daine_Waeyaert I’m waiting for the right one… ‪#IdolAlumniLive

@CarterBabcock – @Didibenami What was your favorite part of going on the idol tour? #IdolAlumniLive

@DidiBenami – @CarterBabcock all of it babe!!! It was magical!!!! I wanna do it again!!

@DanielleFL – @Didibenami are you going to be collaborating with Blake Lewis for your new albums? ‪#IdolAlumniLive

@DidiBenami – @DanielleFL of course!! I plan on it- we started working on a song b4 e left for Branson… It’s pretty sick!

@shaneredsar – @didibenami What advice do you have for the Top 10 as they go on tour?

@DidiBenami – @shaneredsar to take in every moment!!

@JazmineShe – #IdolAlumniLive @DidiBenami What’s the most played song on your ipod? ‪#idol ‪#Gasoline

@DidiBenami – @JazmineShe “Helium Hearts” by @JasonReeves ‪#IdolAlumniLive

@BamadansPad – @Didibenami Will you be catching up with your BFF @crystalbowersox this week? #IdolAlumniLive

@DidiBenami – @BamadansPad @crystalbowersox #IdolAlumniLive I saw her this week! made me so happy! What a beautiful lady, that woman! I Love her smuch!

@Lee_Haley_IDOLS – @Didibenami Hi Didi, Jon from Chicago!!! So do you think Lee’s Image from AI season 9, compares to Phil Phillips? I think it does!!

@DidiBenami – @Lee_Haley_IDOLS haha yes

@hoostrom – @Didibenami Wow! That song sounds intense. Is there somewhere I can preview it?#IdolAlumniLive

@DidiBenami – @hoostrom there’s a clip of it on my YouTube! please do! And on my website!

@molmck – @Didibenami Where are you next scheduled to perform? ‪#IdolAlumniLive

@DidiBenami – @molmck in Punta Cana baby!!!

@Annette_Moehrie – @Didibenami I’m a new fan!! Just wanted to say hi and i think you are inspiring! #IdolAlumniLive

@DidiBenami – @Annette_Moehrle Thank you for the support! Means a lot to me… #IdolAlumniLive

@hoostrom – @Didibenami What is the moment that you most remember when you think of your time on ‪#idol? ‪#IdolAlumniLive

@DidiBenami – @hoostrom wow… Every moment was pretty intense and incredible… I dunno maybe a toss between singing Play w Fire n Terrified- Kara smiled and honestly the aftermath… Knowing something I did had some kind of emotional impact on anyone made me happy. That’s the point

@nishakira – @Didibenami Probably 2 soon to ask but will ur upcomin album be d only one u’ll ever put out? (Pls say no, we LOVE ur music) ‪#IdolAlumniLive

@DidiBenami – @nishakira I hope not… But I love acting too.. So let’s see what opportunities come up!!

@PPhillipsClan – @Didibenami Hi Didi! How are you?

@DidiBenami – @PPhillipsClan wonderful n u?

@WLYHusband18 – @Didibenami how are you doing? who do you think will win? #IdolAlumniLive

@DidiBenami – @WLYHusband18 that’s such a toughie!! Everyone is soooo talented this season it’s unreal I hope they all have huge careers!!

@stephsingss – @Didibenami are you gonna be interviewing at the finale again?? #idolalumnilive”

@DidiBenami – @stephsingss yes mam for The Hollywood Reporter! You can also check out the work I did with @shirleyhalperin for @Idol_Worship & @THR this year @THR.com interviewing S11

@Gulginger – @Didibenami how are you??

@DidiBenami – @Guiginger hi I’m great! How are you??

@Gulginger – @Didibenami I’m great! Waiting for your album!!

@DidiBenami – @Guiginger Check out ‪#Gasoline on iTunes this Wednesday! Thank you… ‪#IdolAlumniLive

@BlueCoated – Random @DidiBenami What’s your favorite season?! and why? Not #Idol Season but Weather! Lol #IdolAlumniLive

@DidiBenami – @BlueCoated Fave season is Autumn/Fall. i love pumpkins! & leaves changincolors! check out @bjamesmusic’s song “The Fall” #IdolAlumniLive

@tweet_der – @Didibenami @IdolAlummiLive Hi, do you and Siobhan still stay in touch? #MagnamiLove

@DidiBenami – @tweet_der Yes!! I just saw her recently on THR #IdolHangover #IdolAlummiLive

@gsierra21 – @Didibenami How do you see yourself in 5 years? #Idolalumnlive

@DidiBenami – @gsierra21 God knows the answer to that- hoping to be involved in music,acting, and most importantly empathetic projects… Saving puppies

@13KeekyGirl – @Didibenami Hi Didi! I know this isn’t a question but I just wanted to say I’m beyond proud of you! Thank you for inspiring me everyday!

@DidiBenami – @13KeekyGirl aww thank you!!! xoxo

@sharon_monteith – @Didibenami My birthday is May 25th! Could I please get an early Happy Birthday Wish from you? Love you & your music! Thks & God Bless<3

@DidiBenami – @sharon_monteith happy early bday!!!

@DidiBenami – Thanks for tweeting in your questions, your support, & thank you to @AmericanIdol @IDOL_Insider for having me! Looking fwd to #IdolfinalePopular Posts:

Didi Benami – American Idol 11 Finale Results show red carpet (Photos/Videos)

DBF — Fri, 25 May 2012 05:38:22 +0000

Didi Benami arrives at Fox’s ‘American Idol 2012′ Finale Results Show Red Carpet at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on May 23, 2012 in Los Angeles, California.

Didi mixed fun & work attending as guest and as official Idol correspondent for the entertainment resource giant, The Hollywood Reporter. She interviewed past and present idols who were on the red carpet. She also did post-interviews with the final two finalists Philip Phillips and Jessica Sanchez.

Photos from Getty Images and Zimbio. Candid photos by David Sharp/Fox and Star 94.1FM

Didi talks about new single “Gasoline,” a recent fire accident she’s had and some advice on what to do after the (Idol) tour is over.

via Synergistic Videos

Didi talks about her stint as THR’s Idol correspondent, her debut single “Gasoline” and predicts Philip Philips will win Idol!

via Murtz Jaffer
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5/23 Didi Benami debut single “Gasoline” now available for download

DBF — Wed, 23 May 2012 08:08:39 +0000

(Press Release) LOS ANGELES, CA – The wait is over! Singer Songwriter Didi Benami independently releases her debut single “Gasoline” on May 23, 2012. An honest and bittersweet song about letting go or hanging on- Gasoline embarks on a journey of love and relationship. The lyrics are fragile as they are fearless. The music reflects nostalgia, of yearning for the past however troublesome or dark, and ultimately, of acceptance and coming to terms.

Didi Benami captivated the hearts of millions with her one-of-a-kind voice, endearing charm, and emotional performances as a finalist on the 9^th season of American Idol.

Born in New York City, Didi moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, at the age of seven. A self-taught guitar player, Didi has been performing for audiences her entire life. While she always had a passion for music, it was not until she lost her best friend and Belmont University roommate, Rebecca Joy Lear, in a car accident, that Didi began to pursue music as a career. Didi firmly believes “you never know what is going to happen tomorrow, so you might as well do what you love today. Tomorrow is not a promise.”

Gasoline will be included in the yet untitled EP with all original songs co-written by Didi scheduled for release late this year.

Didi describes her music as a “soulful, rock-pop” sound, with organic roots — a new kind of pop, but still confessionals that are “truthful and real.”

Gasoline is a collaboration with prolific singer/songwriters Justin Gray and Chris Seefried who both also produced the song. The recording is mastered by Grammy award winning mastering engineer Brad Blackwood of Euphonic Masters.

Video Promo Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0S591TkUi0

iTunes Link: http://bit.ly/GetGasoline Amazon: http://amzn.to/BuyGasoline

To help promote “Gasoline” on Twitter, please use hashtag #Gasoline to talk about the single!

About Justin Gray | About Chris Seefried | About Brad BlackwoodPopular Posts:

THR Idol Hangover: Episode 1 feat Didi Benami & Blake Lewis; Performances & Interviews (Videos)

DBF — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 06:23:22 +0000

The Hollywood Reporter’s first live original talk show hosted by music editor Shirley Halperin and THR.com editor Joseph Kapsch features “American Idol” alumni guests, in-studio performances and Season 11 interviews.

The inaugural episode includes Season 6 runner-up Blake Lewis, Season 9 finalist and special THR’s “Idol” correspondent Didi Benami and “Idol” expert Fred Bronson.

Didi performs an upcoming release “Crash or Burn”

Blake Lewis and Didi Benami Perform ‘Release Me’

Didi chats with Steven Tyler, Randy Jackson & Ryan Seacrest at the Top 13 After Party

via Hollywood Reporter, Idol Hangover | THR’s official @Idol_Worship TwitterPopular Posts:

2/8 Didi Benami, Lacey Brown and Ricky Minor attend the Grammy Camp in Los Angeles (Photos)

DBF — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:08:17 +0000

From @DidiBenami ‘s Facebook and Twitter update: “Had such great opportunity today to chat with the kids @ Grammy Career Day. Afternoon well spent with the lovely, inspirational Miss @laceybrown and the the super duper rad @RickeyMinor and the guys! Thank you Rickey, Paul, Miguel, Kevin, Lenny, and Blake for putting that all together it was a blast!”

By Steve Baltin

Like all GRAMMY Week events, GRAMMY Camp — Basic Training is rich with big name talent, from “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno” music director Rickey Minor and three-time GRAMMY winner Pepe Aguilar to two-time GRAMMY-winning producer Jimmy Jam and GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter Melissa Manchester. But the activities spread out across the University of Southern California campus on Feb. 8 weren’t about GRAMMY Awards, platinum albums or sold-out tours. It was about the more than 700 Los Angeles-area high school students who were on hand to learn how to build a successful career in the music business.

One of the best aspects of GRAMMY Camp — Basic Training is the spontaneous interchange between students and the professional participants. Case in point, one lucky student who was selected in the Music Director, Producer And More panel to sing with Minor and the other panelists, including saxophonist Miguel Gandelman, guitarist Paul Jackson Jr. and percussionist Kevin Ricard. The same panel found former “American Idol” finalist Lacey Brown break into the title track of her latest EP, Let It Go, and singer/songwriter Didi Benami serenading attendees with “Release Me,” a song from her forthcoming EP.

Other professionals who participated in the day’s activities included radio personality DJ Skee, EMI Music Publishing’s Amanda Berman, Bill Silva Entertainment’s Ryan Chisholm, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” music talent booker Scott Igoe, and video director Matthew Cherry.

via Official Grammy Blog | Related post: Grammy in the Schools

The 54th Annual Grammys is set for Sunday, February 12th at Staples Center in LA. See the nominees list here.

@AmericanIdol posted an article yesterday about Didi and Lacey’s participation:

Didi Benami and Lacey Brown to Appear at Grammy Camp

Season 9′s Didi Benami has been included as one of the top music industry professionals discussing the realities of the music business and careers in music with more than 700 Los Angeles-area high school students at GRAMMY Camp® — Basic Training, a GRAMMY in the Schools® initiative of the GRAMMY Foundation. GRAMMY Camp — Basic Training conducts a variety of workshops focusing on various fields in the music industry, utilizing the entire USC Thornton School of Music campus.

It appears that Idol’s former Music Director Rickey Minor and Season 9′s Lacey Brown will be there too! Today Lacey tweeted, “Headed to LA to sing at Grammy Camp with the amazing @rickeyminor and the Band and @Didibenami will also be there! I’ll be the one in red!”

via American IdolPopular Posts: