All is quiet on the western front (the west coast of Florida that is) after Syesha Mercado's whirlwind return home last Friday with "American Idol" at her side, filming the hometown visit.
No matter where she went Friday, the "Idol" contender managed to create a buzz, bringing area residents out of the woodwork to see her perform — some who have never watched a lick of "American Idol."
I wonder if those new to the "Idol" phenomenon will watch the show Tuesday night and vote after seeing Syesha perform live here? The "Idol" contestant did manage to seize moments of her visit to encourage the crowd to vote, as if she was on the campaign trail.
Too bad we couldn't vote by phone as many times as we wanted for the presidential election like with "Idol." It would be interesting to see who would win that vote.
Syesha may need a lot more votes this week to beat rocker David Cook or boy wonder David Archuleta. The two David's seem destined for a showdown with each other in the final two.
On a side note, Jason Castro, who was booted off the show last week, seemed all too eager to leave the competition for the trio to duke it out.
Whether Syesha wins or not, though, she seems to just be relishing in the fun of it all, trying not to take everything too seriously. After all, it's not everyday a person finds him or herself in the top three on "American Idol."
Syesha won't let anything dampen her spirits at this point in the competition. Not even bad criticisms from the judges.
While at Booker High School, an administrator asked her questions about being on the show. One question was how she handles the judges' comments and criticisms.
"I listen to it, let it go and move on to the next song," Syesha said.
We wish her the best this week. — January Holmes
Monday, May 12, 2008
Friday, May 9, 2008
Syesha has "Proud Mary" down
She sang it loud and sang it proud.
Syesha performed "Proud Mary" during a mini-concert this afternoon at the Ringling Museum of Art to more than 2,000 fans gathered along the shores of Sarasota Bay.
The hometown girl belted out the Creedence Clearwater Revivial classic, which she performed on this week's episode of the televised talent contest. She also sang "Groove Is In The Heart," by Deee Light.
And she gave her fans the scoop to next week's performance. "Idol" judge Randy Jackson faxed her during the performance -- it's "If I Ain't Got You," by Alicia Keys.
Syesha performed "Proud Mary" during a mini-concert this afternoon at the Ringling Museum of Art to more than 2,000 fans gathered along the shores of Sarasota Bay.
The hometown girl belted out the Creedence Clearwater Revivial classic, which she performed on this week's episode of the televised talent contest. She also sang "Groove Is In The Heart," by Deee Light.
And she gave her fans the scoop to next week's performance. "Idol" judge Randy Jackson faxed her during the performance -- it's "If I Ain't Got You," by Alicia Keys.
Dreams really do come true
We're in Sarasota now, behind the scenes in Syesha's alma mater, Booker High. Students and teachers alike fawned over one of their most famous alumni - at least for the current 15 minutes.
Teachers spoke of their favorite memories of Mercado, and students presented her with awards and gifts. One student gave her a painting.
Mercardo repaid her fans crowded into the school's auditorium with a singing of "Summertime," by Ella Fitzgerald.
"First off, it's crazy. I remember sitting in this theater and there was speaker and thinking, I'm going to go to Hollywood and do singing and movies and stuff. Now I'm singing," Mercado said. "Dreams really do come true."
Next stop, and this one's open to the public: a concert at the Ringling Museum of Art. But the parking lot is already filled -- try New College of Florida next door.
Teachers spoke of their favorite memories of Mercado, and students presented her with awards and gifts. One student gave her a painting.
Mercardo repaid her fans crowded into the school's auditorium with a singing of "Summertime," by Ella Fitzgerald.
"First off, it's crazy. I remember sitting in this theater and there was speaker and thinking, I'm going to go to Hollywood and do singing and movies and stuff. Now I'm singing," Mercado said. "Dreams really do come true."
Next stop, and this one's open to the public: a concert at the Ringling Museum of Art. But the parking lot is already filled -- try New College of Florida next door.
Competitor David Cook stomping KC
Turns out that Syesha's competitor David Cook is from Blue Springs near Kansas City, and our sister McClatchy newspaper Kansas City Star is following his shenanegans today. If you want to measure up the competition, here’s a link.
Syesha wins their hearts -- again
Syesha Mercado wowed more than 1,000 of her fans in downtown Bradenton this morning.
She sang part of a song --- "Listen," originally recorded by Beyonce --- and invited students from Daughtrey Elementary School, her alma mater, to join her on the stage set up along the downtown riverfront.
"You guys are beautiful," Mercado said. "Thank you for being here."
And the crowd went wild.
She's touring in a black stretch limousine, accompanied by Manatee County Sheriff's deputies.
Mayor Wayne Poston gave her a key to the city, who gushed, "It doesn't open the vault, but it opens our hearts to you."
Just before 11:30 a.m., Mercado got back into her limo for a ride to the AT&T store -- that's what you get when you're a sponsor -- on Cortez Road, esorted again by sheriff's deputies.
_________
Syesha Mercado, American Idol finalist, is mobbed by fans as she leaves after an appearance in downtown Bradenton.--photo by Tiffany Tompkins-Condie/ttompkins@bradenton.com:
Syesha Mercado fans get excited as they wait for the American Idol finalist in downtown Bradenton.--photo by Tiffany Tompkins-Condie/ttompkins@bradenton.com:
She sang part of a song --- "Listen," originally recorded by Beyonce --- and invited students from Daughtrey Elementary School, her alma mater, to join her on the stage set up along the downtown riverfront.
"You guys are beautiful," Mercado said. "Thank you for being here."
And the crowd went wild.
She's touring in a black stretch limousine, accompanied by Manatee County Sheriff's deputies.
Mayor Wayne Poston gave her a key to the city, who gushed, "It doesn't open the vault, but it opens our hearts to you."
Just before 11:30 a.m., Mercado got back into her limo for a ride to the AT&T store -- that's what you get when you're a sponsor -- on Cortez Road, esorted again by sheriff's deputies.
_________
Syesha Mercado, American Idol finalist, is mobbed by fans as she leaves after an appearance in downtown Bradenton.--photo by Tiffany Tompkins-Condie/ttompkins@bradenton.com:
Syesha Mercado fans get excited as they wait for the American Idol finalist in downtown Bradenton.--photo by Tiffany Tompkins-Condie/ttompkins@bradenton.com:
Where to see Syesha this afternoon
Syesha's breezing through Bradenton at this writing, having paraded through downtown Bradenton, then on to AT&T on Cortez -- stirring up a lot of fans and even calls that all that commotion was a bank robbery, what with law enforcement and unusual sitings!
Here's the plans for this afternoon:
• 12:30 p.m.: Short parade and visit with students at Booker High School. School visit will be closed to the public. The parade will be on the Orange Avenue side of the school.
• 3:30 p.m.: Concert at the Ca d'Zan Terrace at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road. Parking will be available north of the Ringling Museum at New College of Florida. Mercado will be given a proclamation and perform.
• Between 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.: Will be heading to St. Petersburg to sing the national anthem at the Tampa Bay Rays game at Tropicana Field.
Here's the plans for this afternoon:
• 12:30 p.m.: Short parade and visit with students at Booker High School. School visit will be closed to the public. The parade will be on the Orange Avenue side of the school.
• 3:30 p.m.: Concert at the Ca d'Zan Terrace at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road. Parking will be available north of the Ringling Museum at New College of Florida. Mercado will be given a proclamation and perform.
• Between 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.: Will be heading to St. Petersburg to sing the national anthem at the Tampa Bay Rays game at Tropicana Field.
Syesha is on the Bradenton stage
She's here!
"American Idol" finalist Syesha Mercado has arrived in Bradenton for a mini-party along the downtown waterfront, kicking off a flurry of appearances in the Manatee-Sarasota area for the hometown girl.
Mercado arrived about 11 a.m. in a black stretch limousine, accompanied by Manatee County Sheriff's deputies.
Government officials will be reading proclamations honoring Mercado, who is one of three surviving contestants in the televised talent competition, and Mayor Wayne Poston is set to give her a key to the city. Fans gathered along Barrcarotta Boulevard are hopeful Mercado will also sing them a song.
After the downtown performance, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office will escort her to the AT&T store in the 4700 block of Cortez Road for an appearance. AT&T is a sponsor of the "American Idol" show.
Later today, Mercado will make apperances at Booker High School in Sarasota, her high school alma mater, and at the Ringling Museum of Art, where she is scheduled to perform.
And tonight, she is scheduled to sing the national anthem at the Tampa Bay Rays game at Tropicana Field.
Your Bradenton Herald crew will keep you posted.
"American Idol" finalist Syesha Mercado has arrived in Bradenton for a mini-party along the downtown waterfront, kicking off a flurry of appearances in the Manatee-Sarasota area for the hometown girl.
Mercado arrived about 11 a.m. in a black stretch limousine, accompanied by Manatee County Sheriff's deputies.
Government officials will be reading proclamations honoring Mercado, who is one of three surviving contestants in the televised talent competition, and Mayor Wayne Poston is set to give her a key to the city. Fans gathered along Barrcarotta Boulevard are hopeful Mercado will also sing them a song.
After the downtown performance, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office will escort her to the AT&T store in the 4700 block of Cortez Road for an appearance. AT&T is a sponsor of the "American Idol" show.
Later today, Mercado will make apperances at Booker High School in Sarasota, her high school alma mater, and at the Ringling Museum of Art, where she is scheduled to perform.
And tonight, she is scheduled to sing the national anthem at the Tampa Bay Rays game at Tropicana Field.
Your Bradenton Herald crew will keep you posted.
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