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Agenda: An Afternoon with Syesha
The music industry broke a few more hearts this May, when American Idol hopeful and Sarasota/Manatee native Syesha Mercado was voted off the popular television show a scant two places away from winning. As a top three contender, Mercado gave scorching final performances of Peggy Lee’s “Fever,” Alicia Keyes’ “If I Ain’t Got You” and Gia Farrell’s “Hit Me Up.” When the votes were counted, however, her rousing cabarets fell just short of teen heartthrob David Archuleta and rocker David Cook.
Mercado grew up between Sarasota and Manatee counties and graduated from Booker High’s prestigious Theater, Visual and Performing Arts department in 2005. Her homecoming rallies at Booker, and later at the Ca d’Zan, more resembled a political rally than a concert. The singer arrived at her former school in a stretch black Ford Excursion SUV limo, flanked by dark-suited security in sunglasses and earpieces and FOX affiliate cameramen, who hustled Mercado and her family to an open-topped Mustang for a small parade up to Booker.
Later that afternoon, an even larger crowd congregated on the grounds of the Ca d’Zan museum for a brief concert and a flurry of accolades from public officials. Lou Ann Palmer presented Mercado with the key to the city of Sarasota before her own enthusiasms took over and the public servant did a handstand to demonstrate the city’s love for Syesha. “We’ve been turning inside out and upside down for Syesha,” Palmer said before flipping. “And we’re going to show you what that means!” she said. Sarasota herself even got a little A.I. airtime during brief documentaries filmed at each singer’s homecoming.
Despite public disappointment at her being voted off, local and national commentators alike have speculated that the best of Mercado’s career remains ahead of her.
American Idol finalist Syesha Mercado performed a hometown concert in Sarasota on the terrace at Ca d’Zan. Booker High School V.P.A. graduate Syesha Mercado visits the campus to be greeted by excited students and swarms of press. A small parade lined Orange Avenue in front of the Booker High Auditorium in anticipation of Syesha’s arrival. Syesha receives local recognition from Commissioner Fredd “Glossie” Atkins (left), Ringling Executive Director John Wettenhall (right) and Mayor Lou Ann Palmer (far right).
—By Brian Hughes, Photos by Cat Horton
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