Syesha Mercado

Syesha Raquel Mercado (born January 2, 1987) is an American singer-songwriter, actress, and model. Mercado was a finalist, securing the third place during the seventh season of American Idol. Prior to American Idol, Mercado was on The One: Making a Music Star and she won the contest for Florida Super Singer. Her musical influences are Whitney Houston, Etta James, Alicia Keys, Zap Mama, Lauryn Hill, and Aretha Franklin.On June 25, 2009, it was officially confirmed that Mercado had landed the lead role of Deena Jones in the United States national tour of Dreamgirls that also opened internationally in Japan. The tour began at the Apollo Theater on November 7, 2009.