Trenyce
{{Short description|American singer (born 1980)}}
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{{Use American English|date=January 2019}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Trenyce
| image = File:Trenyce.jpg
| caption = Trenyce in a 2012 London photoshoot
|alt= A dark-skinned woman in a glamor photo, from the waist up, smiling towards the camera, wearing a furry, white top, touches her large, black hair.
| birth_name = Lashundra Trenyce Cobbins
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1980|3|31}}
| birth_place = Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
| death_date =
| occupation = Singer, actress
| instrument = Vocals
| background = solo_singer
| years_active = 2002–present
}}
Lashundra Trenyce Cobbins ({{IPAc-en|t|r|ə|ˈ|n|iː|s}}; born March 31, 1980) is an American singer and actress best known as a finalist on the second season of American Idol and for her work in musical theatre. Raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Trenyce won one of the categories of the NAACP ACT-SO as a teenager, and attended the University of Memphis on a music scholarship.
In 2004, Trenyce began to focus on theatre, playing roles in the plays Not a Day Goes By, The Vagina Monologues, Soul Kittens Cabaret and Mama's Sweet Potato Pie. In 2006, she played the lead role of Deena Jones in an Indianapolis production of the musical Dreamgirls. She made her film debut in 2008 and became the first American Idol contestant to headline a show in Las Vegas. She originated the role of Portia in David E. Talbert's play Love in the Nick of Tyme. Trenyce performed in a 2009 North American tour of the musical Ain't Misbehavin'.
From 2010 to 2013, she was the leading female vocalist in the revue Thriller – Live during a European tour and its West End run. She appeared in the 2013 comedy film Kick-Ass 2. In 2015, Trenyce hosted the Franco Dragone-produced cabaret show Taboo at the casino City of Dreams in Macau, China. She then returned to London for an extended reprise of her role in Thriller – Live. In 2017, she starred in the cabaret production Heart & Soul: Music of Whitney Houston, Dionne Warwick & Diana Ross, in California. In the 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.memphisdowntowner.com/my2cents-pages/TRENYCE.html|title=Trenyce|year=2015|publisher=Memphis Downtowner|archive-url=https://archive.today/20161118181236/http://www.memphisdowntowner.com/my2cents-pages/TRENYCE.html|archive-date=November 18, 2016|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.buddytv.com/info/trenyce-info.aspx| title=Trenyce|publisher=BuddyTV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021034230/http://www.buddytv.com/info/trenyce-info.aspx|archive-date=October 21, 2016}} Her father, Jesse Cobbins, worked for St. Joe Company, and her mother, Linda Ruth Cobbins, worked at FedEx.{{cite web|url=http://chicago.gopride.com/news/article.cfm/articleid/1980625| title=American Idol's Trenyce Celebrates Chicago Pride|date=June 21, 2004|publisher=ChicagoPride.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021031600/http://chicago.gopride.com/news/article.cfm/articleid/1980625|archive-date=October 21, 2016}} She has an older and a younger sister. As a child, she decided to be known by her middle name, feeling that it better suited her ambitions as a performer. Trenyce has written that her interest in music started after performing a solo in a musical production celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. She grew up in North Memphis, where she attended Central High School and performed in various talent shows and pageants. In 1996, she won first place in a singing competition at the national NAACP Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics in Atlanta.
At the age of nineteen, Trenyce was arrested for theft at work. A Shelby County, Tennessee, court permitted her to participate in a pre-trial diversion program that expunged the felony charges from her record.{{cite web|url=http://www.thesmokinggun.com/documents/crime/american-idol-finalists-sticky-fingers|title="American Idol" Finalist's Sticky Fingers|date=March 27, 2003|publisher=The Smoking Gun|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021032137/http://www.thesmokinggun.com/documents/crime/american-idol-finalists-sticky-fingers|archive-date=October 21, 2016}}{{Cite web| url=http://www.tvguide.com/news/trenyce-53898/|title=Not Trenyce, Too!|website=TV Guide|publisher=CBS Interactive Inc.|archive-url=https://archive.today/20161118182753/http://www.tvguide.com/news/trenyce-53898/|archive-date=November 18, 2016|url-status=dead}} She has denied the theft and claimed that it was a co-worker who stole the items from her workplace. Trenyce attended the University of Memphis on a full music scholarship. While in college, she joined the University Singers ensemble choir and its band Sound Fuzion, which toured throughout Tennessee.Myers, Smith, Josephson & Myers (2011): p. 37 After completing three years of the school's nursing program, Trenyce left the University of Memphis to pursue music full-time, performing in such venues as Rhythms Night Club, Precious Cargo and Isaac Hayes' Restaurant.
Career
={{anchor|2002–03: ''American Idol''}} 2002–03: ''American Idol''=
In October 2002, Trenyce auditioned for the second season of the reality television series American Idol. She became one of the 32 semi-finalists. She was eliminated in the top 30 round, but judge Paula Abdul chose her as a "wildcard selection" to become one of the twelve finalists.{{cite web| url=http://www.toledoblade.com/Movies/2003/02/28/Coleman-fails-in-bid-to-be-Idol-wild-card.html |title=Coleman fails in bid to be 'Idol' wild card |last=Sewel |first=Rhonda B. |date=February 28, 2003 |publisher=Block Communications |work=The Blade |archive-url=https://archive.today/20161118185025/http://www.toledoblade.com/Movies/2003/02/28/Coleman-fails-in-bid-to-be-Idol-wild-card.html |archive-date=November 18, 2016 |url-status=dead }} Trenyce's arrest was disclosed to the public during an appearance on the show, but she was not removed from the series, as had happened with some former contestants. Producer Nigel Lythgoe clarified that Trenyce informed the producers of her criminal history from the outset.{{cite magazine| url=http://www.ew.com/article/2003/03/28/here-are-latest-scandals-american-idol|title=Here are the latest scandals from American Idol|last=Susman| first=Gary| date=March 28, 2003|publisher=Time Inc|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001135922/http://www.ew.com/article/2003/03/28/here-are-latest-scandals-american-idol|archive-date=October 1, 2015}} Trenyce placed fifth during the season finals. Jim Cantiello of MTV News connected the disclosure of Trenyce's mug shot and felony theft charges to her elimination from the show by public voting.{{cite web| url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1581836/american-idol-video-timeline-six-seasons-of-high-notes-and-hot-messes/ |title=American Idol Video Timeline: Six Seasons of High Notes and Hot Messes |last=Cantiello |first=Jim |date=February 19, 2008 |publisher=MTV News |archive-url=https://archive.today/20161021035343/http://www.mtv.com/news/1581836/american-idol-video-timeline-six-seasons-of-high-notes-and-hot-messes/ |archive-date=October 21, 2016 |url-status=dead }} Entertainment Weekly also concluded that the news relating to her criminal record reduced her appeal with voters.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.ew.com/article/2006/03/03/underrated-american-idol-contestants-trenyce |title=Underrated American Idol contestants: Trenyce |date=March 3, 2006 |publisher=Time Inc |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-url=https://archive.today/20161219215541/http://www.ew.com/article/2006/03/03/underrated-american-idol-contestants-trenyce |archive-date=December 19, 2016 |url-status=dead }} Several media commentators suggested that racism may have played a role in Trenyce's elimination, as she was one of only two dark-skinned finalists during the season (the other was winner Ruben Studdard).Smith (2013), p. 115; and Powers (2005), pp. 154–155{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.excite.com/celebgossip/tvginsider/id/05_07_2003_1.html |title='Idol Chatter with Trenyce |last=Ausiello |first=Michael |date=May 7, 2003 |work=TV Guide |publisher=CBS Interactive |archive-url=https://archive.today/20161220032422/http://entertainment.excite.com/celebgossip/tvginsider/id/05_07_2003_1.html |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |url-status=dead }}
Entertainment Weekly found her to be one of the show's most underrated contestants and called her a "polished performer with enough sass to eschew her surname". Tim Cuprisin of Milwaukee Journal Sentinel criticized Trenyce's use of her mononymous stage name as "a bit too slick even for a slick competition".{{cite news|title=A look at why this year's 'Idol' 5 like the show have survived|last=Cuprisin|first=Tim|date=April 28, 2003|work=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|publisher=Gannett Company}} Jan Jagodzinski argued in a 2005 book, however, that the name was an attempt to garner "an American appeal", since her birth name Lashundra Cobbin is "an impossible 'pop' signifier".Jagodzinski (2005): pp. 163–164 Judge Simon Cowell said that he "never really warmed" to Trenyce, as she "worked very hard at her image – too hard".{{cite news| title=Slater's wife charged with un-Christianlike act|last=Zwecker|first=Bill| date=November 12, 2003| work=Chicago Sun-Times|publisher=Sun-Times Media Group}}
| class="sortable wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|+ American Idol Season 2 performances and results: |
| Week #
!Theme !Song choice !Original artist !Notes !Results |
|---|
| rowspan="1"|Audition
|N/A | |Advanced |
| rowspan="2"|Top 30
|Semifinal/Group 1 | |Wild Card |
| Wildcard
| |Paula Abdul's choice |
| Top 12
| |rowspan="3"|Safe |
| Top 11
| |
| Top 10
|"I Need You" | |
| Top 8
|No elimination |Bottom 2 |
| Top 8
| |Safe |
| Top 7
|"Baby Grand" |Billy Joel | |rowspan="2"|Bottom 3 |
| Top 6
| |
| Top 5
|"Proud Mary" |Creedence Clearwater Revival | |Eliminated |
In 2016, Billboard magazine included Trenyce's rendition of "I Have Nothing" in its list of the 100 best American Idol live performances.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/photos/7256317/top-100-american-idol-live-performances-of-all-time/36|title=Top 100 'American Idol' Live Performances of All Time|date=March 17, 2016|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161118195500/http://www.billboard.com/photos/7256317/top-100-american-idol-live-performances-of-all-time/36| archive-date=November 18, 2016}} Vulture.com's Maura Johnston criticized Trenyce for being "[a] little yell-y, a little pitch-y, a little guarded", but praised her voice and song choices and felt that she set "a precedent for the divas who followed" in later American Idol seasons.{{cite web| url=https://www.yahoo.com/movies/every-american-idol-finalist-ranked-163400606.html|title=Every American Idol Finalist, Ranked From Worst to Best| last=Johnston|first=Maura|author-link=Maura Johnston |date=January 28, 2016|publisher=Vulture.com|archive-url=https://archive.today/20161219215013/https://www.yahoo.com/movies/every-american-idol-finalist-ranked-163400606.html|archive-date=December 19, 2016|url-status=dead}} Trenyce's performance of "Let's Stay Together" was included on the compilation album American Idol Season 2: All-Time Classic American Love Songs (2003). AllMusic's Heather Phares thought Trenyce was one of the strongest performers of the show, but criticized her cover version for having an "indistinct quality".{{cite web| url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/american-idol-season-2-all-time-classic-american-love-songs-mw0000026080 |title=AllMusic Review |last=Phares |first=Heather |date=April 15, 2003 |publisher=AllMusic |archive-url=https://archive.today/20161021035619/http://www.allmusic.com/album/american-idol-season-2-all-time-classic-american-love-songs-mw0000026080 |archive-date=October 21, 2016 |url-status=dead }} In an interview, Trenyce said that she was offered a record deal, following her appearance on American Idol, but she and her mother (who was her manager) rejected it because she found the terms unsatisfactory.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisislime.net/interviews/music/Trenyce_set_to_thrill|title=Trenyce Set to Thrill|last=Harris|first=Semper Azeez| publisher=Lime Music|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118195941/http://www.thisislime.net/interviews/music/Trenyce_set_to_thrill| archive-date=November 18, 2016}}
Following her elimination, Trenyce made appearances on television shows, including Live with Regis and Kelly, Extra, ET, Fox and Friends, The Early Show, The Wayne Brady Show, Inside Edition, Good Day Live, the Today Show and TRL. She also was featured in various Memphis periodicals, including as one of Memphis' 30 Most Beautiful People in Elite Magazine's June 2003 issue, and appeared on a cover of "God Bless the USA" along with the other American Idol Season 2 finalists.{{cite web|url=http://clevnet.library.link/resource/CPv8U2uTfKk/ |title=American Idol : God bless the U.S.A |publisher=CLEVNET Library Consortium |archive-url=https://archive.today/20161021035754/http://clevnet.library.link/resource/CPv8U2uTfKk/ |archive-date=October 21, 2016 |url-status=dead }} Trenyce participated in a three-month concert tour with the other season 2 finalists, performing "Proud Mary" and "I Have Nothing". Robin Givhan of The Washington Post was critical of Trenyce's performance on the tour, saying that she demonstrated the "earsplitting finesse of a sledgehammer".{{cite news|first=Robin|last=Givhan|title=If Looks Can't Thrill; Finalists' Voices Alone Are No Ticket to Stardom |date=May 9, 2003 |newspaper = The Washington Post| publisher=WP Company LLC}} Arion Berger of the same publication described her as "a female drag queen with a diva's intimidating presence".{{cite news|first=Arion|last=Berger|title=Orchestrated 'Idols' With Real Live Fans|date=July 30, 2003 |newspaper = The Washington Post|publisher=WP Company LLC}}
= {{anchor|2004–09: Transition to musical theatre}} 2004–09: Transition to musical theatre =
File:Trenyce 1.jpg|alt=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 mostly focused on "various entertainment aspects of African-American interest".{{cite web| url=http://urbanmilwaukee.com/2009/04/22/aint-misbehavins-trenyce-cobbins-dishes-on-the-show/|title=Ain't Misbehavin's Trenyce Cobbins dishes on the show|last=Jacobson|first=Brian|date=April 22, 2009|work=Urban Milwaukee|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160527073540/http://urbanmilwaukee.com/2009/04/22/aint-misbehavins-trenyce-cobbins-dishes-on-the-show/|archive-date=May 27, 2016}} In 2004, she made her theatre debut as Yancey in a North American tour of Not a Day Goes By, a play with songs adapted from the E. Lynn Harris' 2000 novel of the same name. The tour ran from January to May 2004.{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Kb8DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA52|title=E. Lynn Harris Dishes Up Hot Drama In Play 'Not A Day Goes By'|date=April 5, 2004|publisher=Ebony Media Corporation|work=Jet|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215053127/https://books.google.com/books?id=Kb8DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA52|archive-date=February 15, 2017}}{{cite web| url=http://www.randomhouse.com/features/elynnharris/notaday.html|title=Not A Day Goes By - The Play|publisher=Random House| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161022214409/http://www.randomhouse.com/features/elynnharris/notaday.html|archive-date=October 22, 2016}} Jet magazine wrote that Trenyce "breathes life and voice into Yancey", describing her as one of the show's "rich vocal talents". The Chicago Defender felt that Trenyce displayed a "theatrical perception as she interprets a character".{{cite journal|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-622355711.html|title=Trenyce; American Idol Top 5 finalist, stars in musical Not a Day Goes By|date=February 28, 2004|publisher=Real Times| journal=The Chicago Defender|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161120022714/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-622355711.html| archive-date=November 20, 2016}}{{Subscription required}} She soon performed in the play The Vagina Monologues.{{cite web|url=http://blog.syracuse.com/idolthoughts/2008/11/trenyce_added_to_cast_of_aint.html| title=Trenyce added to cast of Ain't Misbehavin{{'}}| last=Reynolds|first=Donna|date=November 27, 2008| publisher= Syracuse.com| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022215611/http://blog.syracuse.com/idolthoughts/2008/11/trenyce_added_to_cast_of_aint.html| archive-date=October 22, 2016}} In 2005, she played in two Nicci Gillbert stage productions: Soul Kittens Cabaret and Mama's Sweet Potato Pie,{{cite web|url=http://downtown.11alive.com/news/arts-culture/85654-award-winning-actor-grammy-nominated-singer-90s-rb-group-brownstone-honored-atlanta|title=Award-Winning Actor & Grammy-Nominated Singer of 90's R&B Group Brownstone honored in Atlanta|date=October 11, 2011| publisher=WXIA-TV| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022214409/http://www.randomhouse.com/features/elynnharris/notaday.html| archive-date=October 22, 2016}} participating in a North American tour of the latter.{{cite web| url=http://www.blackplanet.com/music/view/artist.html?page_url=loveinthenickoftime|title=Trenyce|publisher=BlackPlanet| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022224150/http://www.blackplanet.com/music/view/artist.html?page_url=loveinthenickoftime| archive-date=October 22, 2016}} Trenyce's performance as the wife in Mama's Sweet Potato Pie was praised by Call and Post{{'s}} Chris Bournea.{{cite journal| url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1165745741.html| title=Star-studded cast dishes out 'Mama's Sweet Potato Pie'| last=Bournea| first=Chris| date=October 5, 2006| journal=Call and Post| publisher=Garrett Morgan| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811105820/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1165745741.html| archive-date=August 11, 2017}} {{subscription required}} The same year, she made a cameo appearance in the comedy film Beauty Shop, and performed on the BET reality television series College Hill.{{cite web| url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2005/05/26/riding-idol-to-a-new-career/ |title=Riding 'Idol' To A New Career |date=May 26, 2005 |work=Chicago Tribune |publisher=tronc |archive-url=https://archive.today/20161220001708/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2005-05-26/news/0505260329_1_kimberly-caldwell-reality-stars-album |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |url-status=live }}
Trenyce played the leading role of Deena Jones in an Indianapolis production of the musical Dreamgirls, which ran from June to July 2006.{{cite web| url=http://www.gettyimages.com/event/indiana-black-expo-presents-trenyce-in-the-broadway-musical-dreamgirls-july-12-2006-107655819#trenyce-during-indiana-black-expo-presents-trenyce-in-the-broadway-picture-id111645098|title=Trenyce|work=Getty Images |publisher=Getty Images|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022220542/http://www.gettyimages.com/event/16th-annual-little-miss-african-american-scholarship-pageant-89800172.html?partial=herosel_slides&queue_index=1&asset_id=125519214|archive-date=October 22, 2016}}Myers, Smith, Josephson & Myers (2011): p. 176 Her performance received positive reviews, including one from the newspaper NUVO, commenting that Trenyce's "smooth voice creat[ed] a sound for The Dreams that could easily have taken the group to the top of the charts".{{cite web|url=http://www.nuvo.net/indianapolis/dreamgirls-a-hit/Content?oid=1205674| title='Dreamgirls' a hit|date=June 28, 2006|publisher=Kevin McKinney|work=NUVO| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161120024341/http://www.nuvo.net/indianapolis/dreamgirls-a-hit/Content?oid=1205674|archive-date=November 20, 2016}} David Lindquist of The Indianapolis Star thought that Trenyce brought "star power" to the production.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/126707988/?terms=trenyce|title=They dream big, sing big in engaging showbiz tale|last=Lindquist|first=David|date=June 24, 2006|work=The Indianapolis Star|publisher=Gannett Company|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812173026/https://www.newspapers.com/image/126707988/?terms=trenyce|archive-date=August 12, 2017}} {{subscription required}} In the same year, she became the first American Idol contestant to headline a show in Las Vegas, Nevada, with V: The Ultimate Variety Show and Late Night Idol at the Sahara Hotel and Casino. She hosted it for nine months.{{cite web| url=http://www.4realmagazine.com/publication/?i=48757&p=17| title=More Than Just A Pretty Face| publisher=4realmagazine.com| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161120025027/http://www.4realmagazine.com/publication/?i=48757&p=17|archive-date=November 20, 2016}}
In 2007, Trenyce played Portia in David E. Talbert's play Love in the Nick of Tyme.{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pjsDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA39|title=Morris Chestnut Makes His Stage Debut in David E. Talbert's 'Love in The Nick of Tyme'|date=April 9, 2007|publisher=Ebony Media Corporation|work=Jet|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215053510/https://books.google.com/books?id=pjsDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA39|archive-date=February 15, 2017}} It toured in North America to seventeen cities, starting in the Beacon Theatre in New York in January.{{cite web|url=http://www.playbill.com/article/new-musical-love-in-the-nick-of-tyme-opens-beacon-run-jan-16-com-137716 |title=New Musical Love in the Nick of Tyme Opens Beacon Run Jan. 16 |last=Gans |first=Andrew |date=January 16, 2007 |publisher=TotalTheater |work=Playbill |archive-url=https://archive.today/20161120030749/http://www.playbill.com/article/new-musical-love-in-the-nick-of-tyme-opens-beacon-run-jan-16-com-137716 |archive-date=November 20, 2016 |url-status=dead }} In 2010, a film of the play was released on DVD, and its soundtrack was released separately.{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/David-Talberts-Love-Nick-Tyme/dp/B003UM8T0I|title=David E. Talbert's Love in the Nick of Tyme|website=Amazon |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022232315/https://www.amazon.com/David-Talberts-Love-Nick-Tyme/dp/B003UM8T0I| archive-date=October 22, 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/love-in-nick-tyme-feat.-morris/id1022481222|title=Love in the Nick of Tyme (feat. Morris Chestnut, Avant, Trenyce Cobbins, Ellia English, Terry Dexter & Andrea Pitre)|date=September 7, 2010|publisher=iTunes|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022225201/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/love-in-nick-tyme-feat.-morris/id1022481222|archive-date=October 22, 2016}} The film was also broadcast on Black Entertainment Television (BET).{{cite web|url=http://www.radiotimes.com/tv-programme/e/r98t8/bet-movie--love-in-the-nick-of-tyme|title=BET Movie|publisher=Immediate Media Company|work=Radio Times| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161022233126/http://www.radiotimes.com/tv-programme/e/r98t8/bet-movie--love-in-the-nick-of-tyme|archive-date=October 22, 2016}} Trenyce performed at the Razz Room in San Francisco from July 22 to August 2, 2008. The same year, she made her film debut as Unique in the LGBT independent romantic comedy movie Friends & Lovers: The Ski Trip 2.{{cite AV media|title=Friends & Lovers: The Ski Trip 2|date=July 13, 2008| publisher=Earl Minfield OmniMedia|people=Jamal, Maurice (Director)|medium=Motion picture|location=Los Angeles, California}} A year later, she contributed the title track to the soundtrack for the film Truth Hall.{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/truth-hall-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-mw0002367401 |title=Truth Hall [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack] |publisher=AllMusic |archive-url=https://archive.today/20161215202756/http://www.allmusic.com/album/truth-hall-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-mw0002367401 |archive-date=December 15, 2016 |url-status=dead }} Trenyce played a role in the 30th anniversary revival tour of the musical Ain't Misbehavin' after a recommendation from Ruben Studdard. As traditionally done with the show, the performers used their own names for their characters. The cast album received a nomination for the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards.{{cite web|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/idolchatter/post/2010/01/west-side-story-beats-aint-misbehavin-for-musical-show-grammy/1#.WAv32JMrJE4|title='West Side Story' beats 'Ain't Misbehavin{{'}} for Musical Show Grammy|last=Mansfield| first=Brian| date=January 31, 2010|publisher=Gannett Company|work=USA Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022233732/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/idolchatter/post/2010/01/west-side-story-beats-aint-misbehavin-for-musical-show-grammy/1|archive-date=October 22, 2016}}
= {{anchor|2010–present: London and Macau}}2010–14: ''Thriller – Live'' and work in London =
In 2010, Trenyce sang during the interludes and dance performances for Louis Van Amstel"s Ballroom with a Twist.{{cite web| url=http://www.nj.com/gloucester-county/towns/index.ssf/2010/01/dancing_with_the_stars_pros_st.html|title=Ballroom Blast: 'Dancing with the Stars' pros show off their moves on stage at DuPont Theatre|last=Rearick|first=Kristie|date=January 15, 2010|publisher=NJ.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161023000842/http://www.nj.com/gloucester-county/towns/index.ssf/2010/01/dancing_with_the_stars_pros_st.html|archive-date=October 23, 2016}} Karyn Saemann of Madison.com described Trenyce as "a truly gifted singer who did more than justice to several tunes", especially in her performances of Whitney Houston songs.{{cite web|url=http://host.madison.com/entertainment/arts_and_theatre/reviews/too-many-wrong-moves-in-ballroom-with-a-twist/article_cdf8024c-bb31-11de-9e18-001cc4c002e0.html|title=Too many wrong moves in 'Ballroom with a Twist'|last=Saemann| first=Karyn| date=October 17, 2009|publisher=Madison.com| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161120040232/http://host.madison.com/entertainment/arts_and_theatre/reviews/too-many-wrong-moves-in-ballroom-with-a-twist/article_cdf8024c-bb31-11de-9e18-001cc4c002e0.html|archive-date=November 20, 2016}}
Later in 2010, Trenyce joined the Michael Jackson tribute concert revue Thriller – Live as the leading female vocalist during a European tour. She reprised her role when the show played at the Lyric Theatre in London's West End. She starred in the concert for three years, from 2010 until 2013, performing material from different periods in Jackson's career.{{cite web|url=http://www.memphisflyer.com/memphis/rock-with-her/Content?oid=3348622 |title=Rock With Her |last=Goggans |first=Louis |date=February 14, 2013 |publisher=Kenneth Neill |work=Memphis Flyer |archive-url=https://archive.today/20161220000248/http://www.memphisflyer.com/memphis/rock-with-her/Content?oid=3348622 |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |url-status=dead }} In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Trenyce said that the audience was initially hesitant to hear a woman interpret Jackson's music.{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/american-idol-season-2-alum-236546 |title='American Idol' Season 2 Alum Trenyce Thrills in West End Michael Jackson Tribute |last=Bronson |first=Fred |date=September 16, 2011 |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |work=The Hollywood Reporter|archive-url=https://archive.today/20161215202909/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/american-idol-season-2-alum-236546 |archive-date=December 15, 2016 |url-status=dead }} Theatreworld's Geoff Billingsley praised Trenyce's performance, writing that her voice sounded very similar to Jackson's and describing her as an improvement over the previous female lead Cleo Higgins.{{cite web| url=http://www.theatreworldim2.com/thriller-live-lyric-theatre |title=Thriller Live! |last=Billingsley |first=Geoff |publisher=Theatrewold |archive-url=https://archive.today/20161220013549/http://www.theatreworldim2.com/thriller-live-lyric-theatre |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |url-status=dead }}
While in London, Trenyce also hosted the variety show The Box.{{cite web| url=http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/7/prweb9746460.htm|title=The Re-Emergence Of Trenyce: Her Debut Album and More| date=July 30, 2012|publisher=PRWeb|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161120034757/http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/7/prweb9746460.htm| archive-date=November 20, 2016}} In 2012, she provided the vocals for Baff Akoto's short film Afterglow about a group of friends who navigate jazz culture in London.{{cite web|url=http://www.tinredrum.com/movie/2430690 |title=Afterglow |publisher=Tinredrum |archive-url=https://archive.today/20161215203035/http://www.tinredrum.com/movie/2430690 |archive-date=December 15, 2016 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/american-idol-alum-trenyce-makes-608484|title=AfterGlow|date=October 12, 2012|publisher=World News Network|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161120041321/https://wn.com/trenyce_afterglow|archive-date=November 20, 2016}} She had a minor role in the 2013 superhero, comedy film Kick-Ass 2 as Hit-Girl's cheerleading coach.{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/american-idol-alum-trenyce-makes-608484|title='American Idol' Alum Trenyce Makes Movie Debut in 'Kick-Ass 2'|last=Bronson|first=Fred|date=August 17, 2013|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|work=The Hollywood Reporter| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161022235942/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/american-idol-alum-trenyce-makes-608484|archive-date=October 22, 2016}} In December 2013, she released three songs: "Fever", "In the End (Alright)" and "Where Do They Go?" on iTunes.{{cite web| url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/fever-single/id769441991 |title=Fever |date=December 2, 2013 |publisher=iTunes |archive-url=https://archive.today/20161215203257/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/fever-single/id769441991 |archive-date=December 15, 2016 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web| url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/in-the-end-alright-single/id766828744|title=In the End ( Alright)|date=December 2, 2013|publisher=iTunes| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161215203226/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/in-the-end-alright-single/id766828744| archive-date= December 15, 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/in-the-end-alright-single/id766828744|title=Where Do They Go?| date=December 9, 2013|publisher=iTunes|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161215203226/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/in-the-end-alright-single/id766828744|archive-date=December 15, 2016}} The following year, she worked with producer DJ Guy Scheiman on his single "Brazil You're Ready (Synethetic)",{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/brazil-youre-ready-synthetic-feat-trenyce-part-1/928477868|title=Brazil You're Ready (Synthetic) [feat. Trenyce] [Part 1]|date=November 14, 2014|publisher=iTunes|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161215203424/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/brazil-youre-ready-synthetic/id928477868|archive-date=December 15, 2016}} with remixes released in 2015.{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/brazil-youre-ready-synthetic-pt-2-feat-trenyce-ep/951706632|title=Brazil You're Ready (Synthetic), Pt. 2 [feat. Trenyce]|date=January 16, 2015|publisher=iTunes|url-status=live| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161215203528/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/brazil-youre-ready-synthetic/id951706632|archive-date=December 15, 2016}}
= 2015–present: Macau and other work =
In 2015, Trenyce hosted Taboo, a cabaret show designed by Franco Dragone, in Macau, China. The show was staged in the casino City of Dreams; Trenyce was given creative control over the selection of musical genres and songs as long as they fit the cabaret's overall style. Macau.com praised Trenyce's stage presence and "the power of her voice and stature".{{cite web| url=http://www.macau.com/en/macau-videos/Encounters/Trenyce-talks-TABOO/0_og6t66as/p_11757612 |title=Trenyce Talks Taboo |publisher=Macau.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023083647/http://www.macau.com/en/macau-videos/Encounters/Trenyce-talks-TABOO/0_og6t66as/p_11757612 |archive-date=October 23, 2015 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://macaudailytimes.com.mo/taboo-everybodys-talking-return-danger.html|title=The Taboo Everybody's Talking About|date=January 15, 2015|work=Macau Daily Times|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161023200118/http://macaudailytimes.com.mo/taboo-everybodys-talking-return-danger.html|archive-date=October 23, 2016}} In 2016, Trenyce collaborated with DJ Guy Scheiman on his single "This Time".{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/this-time-feat-trenyce-single/1065457298|title=This Time (feat. Trenyce)|date=January 16, 2015|publisher=iTunes|url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161215203607/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/this-time-feat.-trenyce-single/id1065457298| archive-date=December 15, 2016}} From 2015 to 2017, Trenyce reprised her role in the West End production of Thriller – Live.{{cite web|url=https://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/2015/thriller-live-review-at-the-lyric-theatre-london-constantly-upping-its-game/|title=Thriller Live review at the Lyric Theatre, London – 'constantly upping its game'|last=Vale|first=Paul|date=October 9, 2015|work=The Stage|publisher=The Stage Media Company Limited|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811104914/https://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/2015/thriller-live-review-at-the-lyric-theatre-london-constantly-upping-its-game/|archive-date=August 11, 2017}}; {{cite web| url=http://www.theatre.com/shows/thriller-live-london/cast/| title=Cast & Creative| publisher=Theatre.com| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811104017/http://www.theatre.com/shows/thriller-live-london/cast/| archive-date=August 11, 2017}}; and {{cite web|url=http://www.westendwilma.com/thriller-live-3000/|title=Thriller Live Moonwalks past 3,000 performances in the West End|date=March 17, 2016|publisher=Westendwilma.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811143054/http://www.westendwilma.com/thriller-live-3000/|archive-date=August 11, 2017}} Reviewer Hannah Kerin praised Trenyce's performance of Jackson's 1987 single "The Way You Make Me Feel", calling it "show-stopping" and writing that it "stood out amidst many fantastic renditions of the hits and less well known material".{{cite web|url=https://www.londonboxoffice.co.uk/news/post/review-thriller-live|title=Review: Thriller Live at the Apollo Theatre|last=Kerin|first=Hannah|date=October 12, 2015|publisher=LondonBoxOffice.co.uk|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811105122/https://www.londonboxoffice.co.uk/news/post/review-thriller-live|archive-date=August 11, 2017}}
In 2017, Trenyce starred in Heart & Soul: Music of Whitney Houston, Dionne Warwick & Diana Ross, promoted as part of "the Chris Isaacson Presents lineup of spring cabaret fare".{{cite web|url=https://thisstage.la/2017/04/la-stage-insider-241|title=This Week in L.A. Theatre|last=Martinez|first=Julio|work=At This Stage |date=April 6, 2017|publisher=This Stage Magazine|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704175039/http://thisstage.la/2017/04/la-stage-insider-241/|archive-date=July 4, 2017}} as one of "three sultry starlets".{{cite web| url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/los-angeles/article/Shoshan-Bean-Niki-Haris-Donna-McKechnie-and-More-Set-for-Spring-with-Chris-Isaacson-Presents-20170404| title=Shoshana Bean, Niki Haris, Donna McKechnie and More Set for Spring with Chris Isaacson Presents| date=April 4, 2017| publisher=BroadwayWorld.com| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812100000/http://www.broadwayworld.com/los-angeles/article/Shoshan-Bean-Niki-Haris-Donna-McKechnie-and-More-Set-for-Spring-with-Chris-Isaacson-Presents-20170404| archive-date=August 12, 2017}} She participated in the show during its stints at the Catalina Bar & Grill in Hollywood and Martinis Above Fourth in San Diego, California.{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/theater/reviews/la-ca-lists-theater9-story.html|title=L.A. theater openings, April 9–16: 'The Originalist,' 'A Doll's House, Part 2' and more|last=Cooper|first=Matt|date=April 3, 2017|work=Los Angeles Times|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702060725/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/theater/reviews/la-ca-lists-theater9-story.html|archive-date=July 2, 2017}} The same year, she volunteered in Karamu House, speaking to young girls and participating in its "Saving Our Daughters Cinderellas on Broadway" program;{{cite web|url=http://www.savingourdaughters.org/american-idol-season-2-finalist-trenyce-cobbins-inspires-cinderellas-karamu-house/|title=American Idol season 2 Finalist, Trenyce Cobbins, inspires Cinderellas at the Karamu House in Cleveland, Ohio|date=April 1, 2017|publisher=Savingourdaughters.org|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812062416/http://www.savingourdaughters.org/american-idol-season-2-finalist-trenyce-cobbins-inspires-cinderellas-karamu-house/|archive-date=August 12, 2017}} she was named "Celebrity Godparent" for her work.{{cite web|url=https://www.callandpost.com/single-post/2017/03/21/Trenyce-Cobbins-to-inspire-her-Cinderellas-of-Cleveland|title=Trenyce Cobbins to inspire her Cinderellas of Cleveland|date=March 21, 2017|work=Call and Post|publisher=Garrett Morgan|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812095549/https://www.callandpost.com/single-post/2017/03/21/Trenyce-Cobbins-to-inspire-her-Cinderellas-of-Cleveland|archive-date=August 12, 2017}}
Trenyce played Diana Ross in a 2017 North American tour of Motown: The Musical.{{cite web| url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Kenneth-Mosley-Trenyce-Matt-Manuel-and-Justin-Reynolds-to-Lead-MOTOWN-THE-MUSICAL-National-Tour-Cast-Complete-20170905| title=Kenneth Mosley, Trenyce, Matt Manuel and Justin Reynolds to Lead Motown the Musical National Tour; Cast Complete!| date=September 5, 2017| publisher=BroadwayWorld.com| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923145045/https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Kenneth-Mosley-Trenyce-Matt-Manuel-and-Justin-Reynolds-to-Lead-MOTOWN-THE-MUSICAL-National-Tour-Cast-Complete-20170905| archive-date=September 23, 2017}} Her performance received positive reviews.{{cite web|url=http://www.nwitimes.com/entertainment/arts-and-theatre/theatre/motown-the-musical-soars-with-label-s-greatest-hits/article_9854c376-76cd-5584-9a69-91670304a0bd.html|title='Motown the Musical' soars with label's greatest hits|last=Valdez|first=Eloise Marie|date=October 11, 2017|work=The Times of Northwest Indiana|publisher=Lee Enterprises|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125211320/http://www.nwitimes.com/entertainment/arts-and-theatre/theatre/motown-the-musical-soars-with-label-s-greatest-hits/article_9854c376-76cd-5584-9a69-91670304a0bd.html|archive-date=January 25, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://chicagodefender.com/2017/10/12/motown-the-musical-the-soulful-sound-that-changed-the-history-of-american-music/|title=The Soulful Sound That Changed The History of American Music|last1=McCain|first1=Brenda|last2=McCain|first2=Rick|date=October 12, 2017|work=The Chicago Defender|publisher=Real Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125211319/https://chicagodefender.com/2017/10/12/motown-the-musical-the-soulful-sound-that-changed-the-history-of-american-music/|archive-date=January 25, 2018|url-status=live}} The Times of Northwest Indiana
Credits
={{anchor|Theatre and cabaret}}Theatre and cabaret=
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Year
! Show ! Role ! class="unsortable" | Notes |
|---|
| style="text-align:center;"|2004
| Not A Day Goes By | Yancey | North American tour |
| {{N/A}}
| {{N/A}} | |
| style="text-align:center;"|2005
| Soul Kittens Cabaret | {{N/A}} | |
| style="text-align:center;"|2006
| Mama's Sweet Potato Pie | {{N/A}} | North American tour |
| style="text-align:center;"|2006
| Madame Walker Theatre Center; Scottish Rite Theater (Indianapolis) |
| style="text-align:center;"|2006
| V: The Ultimate Variety Show | Host | Sahara Hotel and Casino (Las Vegas) |
| style="text-align:center;"|2006
| Late Night Idol | Host | Sahara Hotel and Casino (Las Vegas) |
| style="text-align:center;"|2007
| Love in the Nick of Tyme | Portia | North American tour |
| style="text-align:center;"|2009
| Trenyce | North American tour |
| style="text-align:center;"|2010–13; 2015–17
| Charlaine | European tour; London West End (Lyric Theatre) |
| style="text-align:center;"|2010
| Ballroom with a Twist | Vocals | North American tour |
| style="text-align:center;"|2012
| The Box | Host | Theatre variety; London |
| style="text-align:center;"|2015
| Taboo | Host | Cabaret show; City of Dreams (Macau, China) |
| style="text-align:center;"|2017
| Heart & Soul: Music of Whitney Houston, Dionne Warwick & Diana Ross | {{N/A}} | Catalina Bar & Grill (Hollywood); Martinis Above Fourth (San Diego) |
| style="text-align:center;"|2017-2018
| North American tour |
={{anchor|Filmography}} Filmography=
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Year
! Show ! Role ! class="unsortable" | Notes |
|---|
| 2002–2003
| American Idol (television) | Herself (contestant) | Season 2 (finalist) |
| 2005
| College Hill (television) | Herself |Performance |
| 2007
| {{N/A}} | Cameo appearance |
| 2008
| Friends & Lovers: The Ski Trip 2 | Unique | |
| 2012
| Afterglow | Vocals | Short film |
| 2013
| Coach Podell | |
Discography
=Cast albums=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |
| style="width:10em;"| Title
! style="width:18em;"| Details |
|---|
| scope="row"| Ain't Misbehavin' (The 30th Anniversary Cast Recording)
|
|
| scope="row"| Love in the Nick of Tyme
|
|
=Singles=
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Year
! Single ! Album |
|---|
| rowspan="3"| 2013
| "Fever" |rowspan="3"| Non-album single |
| "In the End ( Alright)" |
| "Where Do They Go?" |
=Other songs=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
! scope="col" style="width:30em;"| title ! scope="col"| Year ! scope="col" style="width:15em;"| Other artist(s) ! scope="col"| Album |
| scope="row"| "Truth Hall"
| 2009 | {{n/a|None}} | Truth Hall |
|---|
| scope="row"| "Brazil You're Ready (Synethetic)"
| 2014 | Guy Scheiman | Brazil You're Ready (Synethetic) [feat. Trenyce] [Part 1] |
| scope="row"| "This Time"
| 2016 | Guy Scheiman | "This Time (feat. Trenyce) - Single" |
References
=Notes=
{{Reflist|30em}}
=Sources=
- {{cite book |last1 = Myers|first1=Jared|last2=Smith|first2=Jared|last3=Josephson|first3=Erik|last4=Meyers|first4=Chris|title=Your All-Access Pass to American Idol|year=2011|publisher=Bonneville Books|location=Springville|isbn=978-1-59955-526-3|ref = MyersSmithJosephsonMeyers2011}}
- {{cite book |last1 = Powers|first1=John|title=Sore Winners: American Idols, Patriotic Shoppers, and Other Strange Species in George Bush's America|year=2005|publisher=Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group|location=New York|isbn=1-4000-7655-2|ref = powers2005}}
- {{cite book |last1 = Jagodzinski|first1=Jan|title=Music in Youth Culture: A Lacanian Approach|year=2005|publisher=Springer|location=New York|isbn=978-1-4039-6531-8|ref =Jagodzinski2005}}
- {{cite book |last1 = Smith|first1=Jon|title=Finding Purple America: The South and the Future of American Cultural Studies|year=2013|publisher=University of Georgia Press|location=Athens|isbn=978-0-8203-3321-2|ref = smith2013}}
External links
{{commons category|Trenyce}}
- {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=mn0000746973}}
- {{IMDb name|id=1336012|name=Trenyce}}
- [https://twitter.com/trenyce Official Twitter account]
- [https://www.youtube.com/user/glamLLC/featured Official YouTube channel]
{{American Idol 2}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Trenyce}}
Category:American expatriates in the United Kingdom
Category:American stage actresses
Category:21st-century American actresses
Category:American Idol participants
Category:American cabaret performers
Category:Singers from Memphis, Tennessee