Our ‘American Idol’ top 12 cheat sheet looks at Benami’s strengths and weaknesses. By Jim Cantiello Didi Benami at the “American Idol” top 12 party Photo: Jesse Grant/ WireImage On Thursday night, “American Idol” revealed its top 12 finalists for the ninth season of the hit show. MTV News “Idol” expert Jim Cantiello whipped up a handy cheat sheet for each finalist, breaking down each specific “Idol” journey thus far. He also got the “Idol” hopefuls to weigh in when he caught up with them at Thursday night’s top 12 party in Hollywood. Didi Benami It took no time for Didi Benami to establish her “American Idol” identity: the resident weepy mess. From her initial audition in Denver to almost every single interview on the “Idol” stage, the sensitive singer/songwriter has shed a tear. Tears of joy, tears of mourning, tears of stress. But Didi saves the real emotion for her passionate performances, connecting to lyrics unlike any other singer this season. Best Performance : Didi helped put money in Kara DioGuardi’s pocket when she covered the judge’s song during Hollywood Week brilliantly. Tuesday night, however, Didi busted out the big guns — Fleetwood Mac’s “Rhiannon” — and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. In the last chance before top 12, Didi picked the right week to remind viewers what she’s capable of. Perhaps she held back on her guitar-playing skills during the first two semifinal performances on purpose? Weakest Performance : Didi’s Ingrid Michaelson cover was more fragile than a Faberg
