Vince Benenati
 Age: 25 "Through all the problems in my life, there were two positive things that always were present: my family and their unconditional support, and my passion for music." Vince Benenati says his life began at the age of 20, when he left a residential centre after two years of rehabilitation. "I put everything I possibly could into becoming a better person, and I strive for it still every day in my life," he says. When he completed the program he began working in a mechanic shop. A student at Centennial College, Vince will soon write his certificate of qualification to become a licensed technician. Vince comes from a close-knit Italian family who taught him to sing at the age of four. He says he had a tough childhood and adolescence but music was always there for him. "Singing was one positive thing that helped me growing up because I always felt good whenever and wherever I did it." Vince, who also performs in Italian, has sung at the CHIN picnic, at weddings and in front of a crowd at City Hall when he was 10 years old. Vince is an accomplished athlete who plays hockey, baseball, volleyball and basketball. He is also an artist who sketches, draws and paints in oil. He "luuuuuuvvvvvvs" his car, is proud of his Italian heritage and says his favourite book is Romeo and Juliet. The song title that best describes him? Don't Worry, Be Happy. "I'm the type of guy who always sees the glass half full," he says.
Vince's fun facts: Which musical act would you most like to see in concert? Elvis Presley
What has been the biggest accomplishment of your life? To love myself, to do what I set out to do and build a solid foundation to begin a new chapter in my life. What are you the most proud of? My mother. Which item could you not live without? My car. I luuuuuuuuvvvvvvv my car. What's been the best day of your life? When my grandparents celebrated their 50th anniversary. It symbolized unity. It was a very emotional day filled with tears of happiness. If you could meet one person, living or dead, who would it be and why? My grandfather's dad. I'm sure my great-grandfather was the reason my grandfather is who he is and why our families are so close! Not just my vocal ability, but the person that I am. I also included my heritage in my auditions by singing a few lines in Italian. What will it take for you to become the Canadian Idol? I just have to continue to be myself and show how I am different and unique from the other competitors. Being creative will also help in reaching the top. Most importantly is my willingness and awareness of striving to become a better singer and performer. Whose career path would you like to follow and why? Bryan Adams. He has done a great job in representing Canadians in the music industry. He has been on the scene since the 80's and has become a music icon in the eyes of many Canadians and people world wide. I love his style of music and the sound of his voice. What part of the Canadian Idol experience has surprised you the most? That I made it this far in the competition. I didn't even make the celebrity judge auditions the last two years, and here I am standing in the Top 32. I still can't believe it. Someone pinch me because I think I'm dreaming! What did you learn about yourself during the Top 100? I learned how to deal with the pressure and stress of competing in order to focus on what I had to do. What was your reaction when you made the Top 32? I couldn't believe that my dream was coming true. It felt like and still feels like I'm walking in a dream. Who has been the greatest inspiration of your life? My mom, grandmother, and grandfather....We live together with my grandparents which is why we are so close. I see all of their qualities inside me. Who has helped to make you the singer you are today? My family...They've always encouraged me to pursue music. Every time I would sing at a function, guess who was there watching? What song touches you the most? Why does it affect you so much? Shania Twain's "From This Moment"...It reminds me of the relationship that my grandparents share that has lasted almost 52 years and is the type of bond I hope to share with a special somebody one day. What do you do to keep your nerves in check during the competition? Constantly talk to people. I kept reminding myself to have fun. How has this competition changed you? I feel like I'm walking on cloud nine everyday. I'm on a constant natural high because of what I've accomplished!
Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Whenever I see someone I know, instead of saying "hey", I add a "w" in front and say "whey" I also say "you know what I mean jelly bean" many times in conversation. I love to say "what's cooking good looking" as my first words when I call someone or whenever I answer the phone. |
