BENI

The Okinawa-born, San Diego-raised R&B singer cites Alicia Keys, Hikaru Utada, and Janet Jackson as influences. ∙ In 2002, Arashiro Beni was a finalist in the 14th annual talent and beauty competition Japan Bishōjo Contest. ∙ She was a member of J-pop girl group Bishoujo Club 31. ∙ Her 2004 single “Here Alone” was the theme song for the Japanese miniseries Kurokawa no Techou. ∙ BENI won New Artist of the Year at the 2005 Japan Gold Disc Awards. ∙ In 2005, she performed both the Japan and United States national anthems during halftime of an international NFL game held at the Tokyo Dome. ∙ She recorded a Japanese-language version of “Call Me, Beep Me!,” the theme song for the animated series Kim Possible.