Season 9’s tenth place finalist, Didi Benami, celebrates her 24th birthday on October 25th.

The Knoxville native was inspired to go on American Idol to pursue the music of her late best friend, Rebecca Joy Lear. Didi impressed the judges at her Los Angeles audition with her performance of “Hey Jude.” It was during Hollywood week when Didi really became a stand-out with the Kara DioGuardi penned song by Katharine McPhee, “Terrified.”

After becoming a semi-finalist on Season 9, America voted and Didi was safe every week of the competition until her Top 10 elimination during R&B/Soul week. As the tenth place finalist, Didi got to kick off the night of performances at each stop around the country on the American Idols LIVE! 2010 Tour. Read more about Didi’s experience on tour.

Two weeks ago, Didi posted a blog to her MySpace page opening up about where she’s at in her music career. “It’s been a different world being off tour and being off the American Idol gig for a month or two. It’s not really how it was before the show and I love it…it’s just a lot to take in,” Didi shared. “I have been writing a whole lot with different people and experimenting with different styles and all kinds of crazy experiences and feelings…I had the pleasure of being asked to perform at the Blue & Green Showcase up at Revolver Studios by Angelique Sheppard and David Garner. I played two of my originals, one of my favorite new songs I wrote with Jason Reeves and Makana Rowan called ‘Don’t.’”

Didi also took part in a benefit up in Santa Barbara for The Dream Foundation and met the founder of The Dream Foundation, as well as singer Kenny Loggins. On 10/10/10, Didi went to Chicago as a guest of fellow Season 9 finalist Crystal Bowersox’s wedding.

Happy Birthday, Didi!

via American Idol

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