Trenyce (born Lashundra Trenyce Cobbins on March 31, 1980 in Memphis, Tennessee) is an American R&B singer and actress who was a finalist for the second season of American Idol in 2003, finishing in fifth place.
Biography[]
Trenyce was born to Jesse and Linda Cobbins. At the age of four, she began singing jingles she heard on the television and radio. Trenyce competed in local talent shows and school pageants, winning the title of "Miss Sophomore" and First Alternate to "Miss Junior" at Central High School in Memphis, Tennessee.
After high school, Trenyce attended the University of Memphis on a full music scholarship and further developed her talent as part of the school's "University Singers" organization and Sound Fuzion, a University band that toured the state of Tennessee performing in different venues and performing a wide array of musical genres. While at the University, Trenyce majored in nursing, completing three years before deciding that nursing was not her calling. Trenyce decided to take a break and to give herself a year to make it in the music business.
In addition to her high school and college performing, Trenyce performed in numerous venues in Memphis, such as Rhythms Nightclub, Precious Cargo, and Isaac Hayes Restaurant. Trenyce has also given back to the community by singing at various events held by charitable organizations such as the NewsChannel Three Kids Count Expo, the NAACP Gala and the Miss Kappa Alpha Psi Pageant. Trenyce competed in the national NAACP Act-So Competition in Atlanta, Georgia in 1996, placing first in a competition that included over 125 contestants from all over the country.
American Idol[]
While on a break from school, Trenyce learned that "American Idol" would be holding auditions in Nashville, Tennessee in October 2002. Trenyce camped out for 3 days and nights, almost losing her voice in the process, but auditioned first for producers and executive producers. She was chosen by celebrity judges, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, and Simon Cowell to audition in California against the top 250 contestants chosen from the nationwide search. Trenyce made it through that round to the top 32. She did not go through to the top 12 after her performance in her round of eight, but was given a slot in the wildcard show thanks to Abdul choosing her. With her version of "Let's Stay Together"--which was eventually featured on the season's compilation album--she was chosen by Abdul to take one of the four remaining berths in the Top 12. Trenyce eventually placed fifth.
Post Idol[]
During the months of June and August 2003, Trenyce performed on the American Idol II Live Concert Tour with fellow finalists, singing Tina Turner's "Proud Mary" and Whitney Houston's "I Have Nothing". The American Idol tour outsold the Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera joint tour, and covered a total of 41 cities in 55 days.
Following American Idol, Trenyce has appeared on national television on CNN, Live with Regis and Kelly, Extra, ET, Fox and Friends, The Early Show, The Wayne Brady Show, the Pulse, Inside Edition, Good Day Live, the Today Show, TRL. She has been featured in Memphis periodicals such as Grace Magazine, Proud Magazine, Party Source and was named one of Memphis' 30 Most Beautiful People in Elite Magazine's special June 2003 issue. She has been featured in Mid South's newspapers, such as The Commercial Appeal, The Silver Star News, and the TriState Defender. Recently, Trenyce was honored by both the Mayor of Shelby County and the Mayor of the City of Memphis and given a certificate of achievement as well as a key to the city.
In the summer of 2006, Trenyce starred as Deana in an Indianapolis production of Dreamgirls, produced by Bill Myers. This unique production was a joint venture that celebrated the cultural diversity of Indianapolis and was presented in two historic landmark venues; the Madame Walker Theatre and the Scottish Rite. This production received critical acclaim as "the best show Indianapolis has ever seen!"
Between July 22 and August 2, 2008 Trenyce and former Idol contestants Julia DeMato, RJ Helton, Frenchie Davis, and Rickey Smith performed at the Razz Room in San Francisco. Vonzell Solomon, Constantine Maroulis, and David Hernandez also appeared in the Razz Room from August 5-16.
Trenyce performed in the 2009 national tour of Ain't Misbehavin' starring Ruben Studdard and Frenchie. The show's cast album was nominated for a 2010 Grammy.
Trenyce joined The West End Company's hit musical, Thriller Live, a Michael Jackson tribute show in London's Lyric Theater in 2010 as well as a tour of Europe.
Trenyce made her feature film debut in the 2013 film Kick-Ass 2, portraying a cheerleading coach.