The Study of Racialism

amatrex · Posted: Sun 18 May 2008 02:01 Post subject: Syesha Mercado

Syesha Raquel Mercado (born January 3, 1987) is a singer-songwriter, actress, and third-place contestant on American Idol season 7.

Mercado was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut on January 3, 1987.[1] Her mother, Zelda, is African-American and her father, José, is of Cuban descent. She grew up in Sarasota, Florida, attending Daughtrey Elementary School in Manatee County.[2] Dreaming to become a gospel singer one day, she signed a contract at age nine with the Take Stock in Children initiative, a scholarship program for "low-income families who show potential for college but are unlikely to be able to afford a higher education."[2]

She graduated from Booker High School in 2005, where she was in the Theater VPA (Visual and Performing Arts) department.[3]

At the 2005 Florida Theatre Conference and the 2005 South Eastern Theater Conference Syesha won "Best Supporting Actress" for her role as the Sour Kangaroo in Seussical the Musical.[4] Mercado also appeared as a contestant on the failed ABC talent show, The One: Making a Music Star in summer 2006.[5] She currently attends Florida International University in Miami, Florida.