Trenyce facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Trenyce
Trenyce in a 2012 London photoshoot
Background information
Birth name	Lashundra Trenyce Cobbins
Born	(1980-03-31) March 31, 1980 (age 45) Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Singer, actress
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	2002–present

Lashundra Trenyce Cobbins (born March 31, 1980) is an American singer and actress. She is well-known for being a finalist on the second season of the TV show American Idol. Trenyce has also had a successful career in musical theatre, performing in many stage shows.

She grew up in Memphis, Tennessee. As a teenager, Trenyce won an award from the NAACP ACT-SO program. She then attended the University of Memphis on a music scholarship.

In 2006, Trenyce played the main role of Deena Jones in a play called Dreamgirls. She also made history as the first American Idol contestant to lead her own show in Las Vegas. She performed in a tour of the musical Ain't Misbehavin' in 2009. From 2010 to 2013, she was the main female singer in the show Thriller – Live, which toured Europe and played in London. In 2015, Trenyce hosted a show called Taboo in Macau, China. Later, she returned to London for more performances of Thriller – Live. In 2017, she starred in a show celebrating the music of famous singers like Whitney Houston and Diana Ross. That same year, she played Diana Ross in a North American tour of Motown: The Musical.

Early Life and Education

Lashundra Trenyce Cobbins was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on March 31, 1980. Her father, Jesse Cobbins, worked for the St. Joe Company. Her mother, Linda Ruth Cobbins, worked at FedEx. Trenyce has two sisters, one older and one younger.

As a child, she decided to use her middle name, Trenyce, as her stage name. She felt it was a better fit for her dream of becoming a performer. Trenyce became interested in music after singing a solo in a show honoring Martin Luther King Jr.. She grew up in North Memphis. She went to Central High School and often performed in talent shows. In 1996, she won first place in a national singing competition held by the NAACP Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics in Atlanta.

Trenyce attended the University of Memphis with a full music scholarship. While in college, she joined the University Singers choir and a band called Sound Fuzion. This band toured around Tennessee. After studying nursing for three years, Trenyce decided to leave the University of Memphis. She wanted to focus on her music career full-time. She began performing in various clubs and restaurants.

Career Highlights

2002–03: American Idol Journey

In October 2002, Trenyce tried out for the second season of the TV show American Idol. This show helps find new singing talent. She became one of the top 32 semi-finalists. She was almost eliminated, but judge Paula Abdul chose her as a "wildcard" to join the top twelve finalists. Trenyce finished in fifth place during the season finals.

Entertainment Weekly magazine said she was one of the show's most talented singers. They called her a "polished performer." Billboard magazine later listed Trenyce's performance of "I Have Nothing" as one of the 100 best American Idol live performances ever. Her song "Let's Stay Together" was also included on an American Idol album in 2003. Trenyce said she was offered a record deal after the show, but she turned it down because the terms were not right for her.

After American Idol, Trenyce appeared on many TV shows like Live with Regis and Kelly and The Early Show. She also went on a three-month concert tour with the other finalists from her season.

2004–09: Moving to Musical Theatre

Head and shoulders photo of a dark-skinned woman with long black hair, smiling at the camera, next to a man wearing a suit

Trenyce's work in theatre has often focused on stories and music important to African-American culture. In 2004, she made her theatre debut in a play called Not a Day Goes By. This play toured across North America. Jet magazine praised Trenyce, saying she "breathes life and voice" into her character. In 2005, she performed in two other stage shows, Soul Kittens Cabaret and Mama's Sweet Potato Pie. She also had a small role in the movie Beauty Shop and appeared on the TV show College Hill.

In 2006, Trenyce played the main role of Deena Jones in the musical Dreamgirls in Indianapolis. Critics gave her performance great reviews. One newspaper, NUVO, said her "smooth voice" could easily have made the group famous. That same year, Trenyce became the first American Idol contestant to headline her own show in Las Vegas. She hosted V: The Ultimate Variety Show and Late Night Idol at the Sahara Hotel and Casino for nine months.

In 2007, Trenyce played Portia in David E. Talbert's play Love in the Nick of Tyme. This play toured many cities in North America. A film version of the play was released on DVD in 2010. In 2008, she made her film debut in the movie Friends & Lovers: The Ski Trip 2. A year later, she sang the main song for the movie Truth Hall. Trenyce also joined the 30th anniversary tour of the musical Ain't Misbehavin'. The cast album for this show was nominated for a Grammy Award.

2010–Present: London and Macau

Face of a dark-skinned woman with big and curly black hair, looking at the camera, surrounded by darkness

In 2010, Trenyce was the main female singer in Thriller – Live. This show is a tribute concert to Michael Jackson. She performed in a European tour and then in London's West End at the Lyric Theatre. She starred in the show for three years, from 2010 to 2013. She sang songs from different parts of Michael Jackson's career. A reviewer from Theatreworld praised Trenyce's performance, saying her voice sounded very much like Jackson's.

While in London, Trenyce also hosted a variety show called The Box. In 2012, she provided the vocals for a short film called Afterglow. In December 2013, she released three songs: "Fever," "In the End (Alright)," and "Where Do They Go?" on iTunes.

In 2015, Trenyce hosted Taboo, a cabaret show in Macau, China. The show was held at the City of Dreams casino. Trenyce had a lot of creative freedom to choose the music for the show. Macau.com praised her stage presence and powerful voice. From 2015 to 2017, Trenyce returned to the West End production of Thriller – Live. A reviewer, Hannah Kerin, called her performance of "The Way You Make Me Feel" "show-stopping."

In 2017, Trenyce starred in Heart & Soul: Music of Whitney Houston, Dionne Warwick & Diana Ross. She performed in this show in Hollywood and San Diego, California. That same year, she volunteered at Karamu House, speaking to young girls. She was named "Celebrity Godparent" for her work.

Trenyce played Diana Ross in a 2017 North American tour of Motown: The Musical. Her performance received very good reviews. In 2022, Trenyce sang the theme song, "Good Time," for Sherri Shepherd's talk show Sherri.

Credits

Theatre and Cabaret Shows

Film and Television

Discography

Cast Albums

Singles

Other Songs