Syesha sings at every stop (video)

w/Video from Bradenton

Calm before the Syesha storm

TIFFANY TOMPKINS-CONDIE

Syesha Mercado, American Idol finalist, smiles as she is surrounded by children from her old school, Daughtrey Elementary, during an appearance in Bradenton.--photo by Tiffany Tompkins-Condie/ttompkins@bradenton.com

• Syesha visits Bradenton
• Syesha sings in downtown Bradenton
• Blog: Keeping up with Syesha
• Syesha's schedule
• Another close one, but Syesha safe
• Local politicos rally for 'Idol's' Syesha
• Syesha to appear at phone store
• Syesha makes top 3; homecoming next
• Another close one, but Syesha safe
• Local politicos rally for 'Idol's' Syesha
• Syesha to appear at phone store
• Syesha makes top 3; homecoming next

By JANUARY HOLMES and GRACE GAGLIANO

Herald Staff Writers

SARASOTA - Syesha Mercado sang it loud and sang it proud as she performed "Proud Mary" during a mini-concert this afternoon at the Ringling Museum of Art.

More than 2,000 fans gathered under the hot sun on shores of Sarasota Bay as 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.

During the performance she received a fax from "Idol" judge Randy Jackson informing Mercado that she would be singing "If I Ain't Got You," by Alicia Keys, during next week's "Idol" episode.

Mercado said she was very familiar with the song and had performed it numerous times.

Earlier, students and teachers at Booker High School today paid tribute to one of their most famous alumni.

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."

Before leaving Booker, Mercado sang a few songs with the band she used to perform with in the Bradenton-Sarasota area.

This morning, Mercado wowed fans that gathered to salute her in downtown Bradenton and at a Cortez Road business.

Mercado arrived at City Hall about 11 a.m. in a black stretch limousine, accompanied by Manatee County Sheriff's deputies.

As Mercado emerged from the limo parked along Old Main Street, fans gathered around to snap photos, show off signs and catch a glimpse of the "Idol" finalist.

Escorted by sheriff's deputies and Bradenton Police officers, Mercado walked along the riverfront walkway crowded by media, fans and law enforcement to the sound of more than 1,000 fans chanting "Syesha, Syesha, Syesha."

Dressed in a black tanktop with a long sleeved sheer black blouse, dark blue jeans and silver and black high heels, Mercado took the stage holding a bouquet of white roses and wiping tears from her cheek.

"Could I get a tissue?" Mercado asked.

After receiving a tissue from Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, Whitmore read a proclamation declaring May 9 as "Syesha Mercado Day."

"Syesha this is your day in Manatee County," Whitmore said.

Mayor Wayne Poston followed up by declaring Mercado an ambassador for Bradenton and handing her a key to the city.

"It doesn't open the vault but it opens our hearts to you," Poston said.

As Mercado looked on she spotted a group of children from her alma mater, Daughtry Elementary, and blew a kiss to them.

Mercado recalled her days with the school's dance team and under the instruction of Wendy Herrara, now principal at Orange Ridge-Bullock Elementary School.

"I remember Ms. Herrera saying '5,6,7,8 do it again, do it again,'" Mercado said. "All I remember is practicing for this dream come true. Like ('American Idol' judge) Paula (Abdul) said, I'm living my dream."

Next page >