After auditioning for American Idol in 2009, Didi Benami entered the show’s Hollywood Round, where she secured a spot in the Top 24 by performing “Terrified,” a song written by Idol judge Kara Dioguardi. During the weeks that followed, Benami proved to be one of the season’s more emotional contestants, and she dedicated most of her performances to a close friend who had died several years prior. Although her vocals received a mix of praise and criticism from the judges, Benami scored a place in the Top 10 after performing the Rolling Stones' "Play with Fire." She left the following week, finishing in 10th place. ~ Andrew Leahey