Guide Note
American Idol Season 7 contestant Syesha Mercado sang the Andrew Lloyd Webber song "One Rock and Roll Too Many" from the musical Starlight Express on the April 22, 2008 episode of the show. The program was dedicated to both Lloyd Webber's catalogue and Earth Day. She was accompanied by the house orchestra and danced with the conductor, Ricky Minor.
Judges' Comments
Randy
Felt that Mercado could be a huge Broadway star. It was her best performance to date.
Paula
Agreed with Lloyd Webber, Mercado "brought the house" down.
Simon
Thought it was very sexy, and she showed "massive personality".
Fast Facts
- Air date: April 22, 2008
- Mentor: Andrew Lloyd Webber
- Host: Ryan Seacrest
- Performers: American Idol Top 6
Idol Chatter Review
"Randy says that he and Simon feel this will be the toughest night yet for the Idols. Paula is flummoxed by the question of whether it's anybody's contest to win. Simon advises the singers to sound memorable yet contemporary. Easy enough when you put it that way. Syesha sings One Rock & Roll Too Many (from Starlight Express), which even Lloyd Webber considers an "interesting" choice. Combined with the jinx spot ... Syesha establishes a sultry finger-snapping groove (in the vein of Fever and I'm a Woman). It could have been one rock & roll performance too many for her, but it turns out pretty effective, despite some shriekiness. (Sounds like, by the way, we've got full-length performances, as was guessed in your comments.) Randy thinks this was her best and that she found her element (deuterium?). Paula is not surprised that she did so well. Simon found it "very sexy" and one of her strongest so far."
