Trenyce

Black Actors - Female · Black Christmas Movies

Lashundra Trenyce Cobbins, born on March 31, 1980, in Memphis, Tennessee, is an American singer and actress who gained prominence as a finalist on the second season of “American Idol.” Her early recognition came from winning a category in the NAACP ACT-SO competition as a teenager and attending the University of Memphis on a music scholarship.

Her post-“Idol” career transitioned into theater with roles in productions like “Not a Day Goes By,” “The Vagina Monologues,” “Soul Kittens Cabaret,” and a leading role as Deena Jones in “Dreamgirls.” Trenyce made her film debut in 2008 and was the first “American Idol” contestant to headline a show in Las Vegas. She also originated the role of Portia in David E. Talbert’s “Love in the Nick of Tyme” and toured North America with the musical “Ain’t Misbehavin’.”

From 2010 to 2013, Trenyce became the leading female vocalist in the Michael Jackson tribute show “Thriller – Live” during its European tour and West End run. She also appeared in the comedy film “Kick-Ass 2” in 2013. In 2015, she hosted “Taboo,” a cabaret show in Macau, and returned to “Thriller – Live” in London. Trenyce starred in the cabaret production “Heart & Soul: Music of Whitney Houston, Dionne Warwick & Diana Ross” in 2017 and portrayed Diana Ross in the North American tour of “Motown: The Musical.”

Her early life was marked by her love for music, which was evident after her solo performance in a school production celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Despite facing a legal challenge at the age of nineteen, which was later expunged, Trenyce’s focus remained steadfast on her music career. Her performances on “American Idol” were well-received, although some controversy arose regarding her legal past and potential racial biases that may have influenced her elimination from the show.

Throughout her career, Trenyce has been recognized for her powerful voice and stage presence, contributing to various musicals and films, and maintaining a presence in both the theatrical and music industries.