Could Syesha Mercado Be the "Diamond" in the Rough?

Syesha Mercado has been a complete enigma this entire season. There were times when the power in her voice could be felt through the TV, not just heard. Her beaming smile is contagious and her attitude is one of graciousness. Even though she has been in the bottom three several times this season it hasn't dampened her drive at all. She keeps coming back stronger and stronger each week. She nailed both songs, by Neil Diamond, that she sang tonight and she still may prove to everyone that she is the "Diamond in the Rough."

From her ear to ear smile all the way to her bare feet she certainly appeared to be in her element or "in the zone" as Randy Jackson said. However, once again, Simon Cowell didn't feel like it was memorable and even commented that he felt that she "may be in trouble after tonight" but Syesha brought it to everyone's attention that she is "Still Smiling"!

Syesha has been consistent each week to use that big ol' voice, as Randy calls it, to belt out the tune, unafraid to look directly into the camera and directly into our hearts. Paula likened her to sounding like Minney Riperton and if you listen to Minney you can hear some of the ways Syesha accents her songs. Hmmmmm.....

Syesha definitely is a contender for the two Davids, who are her only contenders. Both Davids own the crowd each time they take the stage and the "I love you David" singers are still out in full force and never miss an entrance to be heard. So far this season the Davids have it but Syesha could be a threat to them. She has the stage presence, the sound, the power, the confidence and a "win-win" attitude to make it all the way. It is a mystery why she has been in the bottom three so many times.

She still has time to pull this off, provided she isn't eliminated tomorrow night. Does she have what it takes to be the American Idol 2008? She certainly seems to. Each week we are closer to finding out. Either way, she can be grateful to be in the top 5, which is quite a feat!

Keep blowing our socks off Syesha, we look forward to seeing you next week.