• Syesha Mercado was a Top 5 finalist on American Idol Season 7. Despite losing her voice during Hollywood week, Mercado managed to perform the Aretha Franklin song "Chain of Fools". She greatly impressed the judges, landing her in the Top 24.

  Mercado was voted off the show on May 14, 2008.

• 1. Full name: Syesha Raquel Mercado
  2. Born: January 2, 1987
  3. Birthplace: Bridgeport, Connecticut
  4. Attends college in: Miami, Florida
  5. Auditioned in Miami
  6. Education: Florida International University
  7. Cites Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston and Alicia Keys as influences
  8. Won Florida's Super Singer in 2007
  9. Eliminated: May 14, 2007

• Television Experience

  Mercado is an actress and singer. She was a former contestant on the short-lived ABC reality series The One: Making a Music Star.

• Family Background

  Mercado's mother was a Motown backup singer. Her father has struggled with drug abuse for many years.

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