American Idol: Syesha Mercado's Hometown Visit to Sarasota

Syesha Mercado, one of three contestants remaining on Season Seven of Fox's "American Idol," made a hometown visit to Sarasota, Fla. on Friday which included a free concert at the Ca d'Zan Terrace at the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art. With a little help from some friends, I secured a backstage pass to the event to see and hear the 21-year-old singer, and hopefully the next "American Idol," perform. I also rubbed elbows with Syesha's family and friends while enjoying the performance in the VIP area.

Charley Belcher of WTVT Fox 13 Tampa Bay was the Master of Ceremonies, keeping the hundreds of "Syclones" (nickname given to Syesha fans) entertained before the "American Idol" hopeful's performance. He and Fox crew tossed out "American Idol" t-shirts and hats to the crowd. Drum Studio All-Stars, the band Syesha performed with while in high school, also entertained the audience. The band hasn't performed together since October 2005. During Syesha's "American Idol" hometown visit, Drum Studio All-Stars reunited and performed as Syesha's band.

American Idol Hometown Visit: Syesha Returns to Sarasota
Wearing a black flowing top, blue jeans and large, white hoop earrings, Syesha arrived onto the Ringling Museum grounds shortly after 3:30 p.m. by a Fox 13 helicopter. Her family members arrived by a black stretch limousine and met up with her as she entered the Ca d'Zan, which was the winter home of circus magnate John Ringling.

With her mother and father on either side, Syesha walked from the back terrace of the Ca d'Zan to the stage where hundreds of screaming fans of all ages welcomed her home to Sarasota. Many wore white t-shirts in purple lettering (for her alma mater, Booker High School) reading "Sarasota [hearts] Syesha." Other fans held up signs showing support for the "American Idol" hopeful.

Following an introduction by Belcher, Syesha and the band launched into "Proud Mary," which is the song she sung during last Tuesday's "American Idol" competition. The crowd grooved and sang along as Syesha belted out the lyrics.

American Idol Hometown Visit: Sarasota Loves Syesha
Proclamations and praise followed. Senator Lisa Carlton, R-Osprey, gave Syesha the highest honor a Florida citizen can receive, the state's Medallion of Excellence for putting "Florida in the spotlight for something good and positive."

Sarasota County Commissioner Joe Barbetta, Ringling Museum Executive Director John Wetenhall and Sarasota Convention and Visitors Bureau President Virginia Haley also praised and recognized the "American Idol" contestant for her accomplishments. Syesha became a little teary eyed during the recognitions and needed a tissue here and there to wipe away tears of joy.

The highlight of the proclamations and recognitions was when Sarasota City Commissioner Fredd "Glossie" Atkins and City of Sarasota Mayor Lou Ann Palmer entered the stage. Mayor Palmer presented Syesha with a key to the City of Sarasota and read a very special message. It's "American Idol" hometown visit tradition for a judge to send a note informing the contestant what song they will perform on the next show (which will broadcast live on Tuesday, May 13). Mayor Palmer read a fax from "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson.

American Idol Hometown Visit: Syesha's Next Song on "American Idol"...
"If I Ain't Got You," by Alicia Keyes is the song Jackson chose. "Here in Sarasota we got you and we're so happy," Mayor Palmer told Syesha.

Mayor Palmer, who performed with the Sarasota Sailor Circus (a student circus troupe) as a youngster, almost stole the show from Syesha. Not only did she do one handstand, but Mayor Palmer did three handstands to wow the crowd and show her appreciation and enthusiasm for Syesha's accomplishments.

The "American Idol" contestant performed a medley including "Groove is in the Heart" by Dee Lite and "Respect' by Aretha Franklin.

And then it was over. Syesha was escorted away from the Ca d'Zan to her next stop on her whirlwind hometown tour. She smiled, waved and blew kisses to her fans. Will Sarasota fans remember what the American Idol hopeful told them to do? She told them, "Don't be shy, vote for Sye." Probably.