Syesha Mercado: Two Brilliant American Idol Performances

On Tuesday, Syesha Mercado delivered the goods. She came through with two wonderful performances. So riddle me this? Why can she still get no love? I have been as critical as anyone about her lack of emotional connection and lack of presence. Well, she was firing on all cylinders last night. In my estimation she sang rings around Brooke, Jason and (gasp) David Archuleta.

I know Randy told him how great he was but I, in my best Simon mode, jut did not get it. I like David A, don't get me wrong. I think he is incredibly talented but he was obviously out his element tonight. Simon remarked that Syesha was a great actress/singer and he added further that he suspected she'd be in trouble tonight. To explain himself he said that it was just due to the odds.

Again, who give a flying fig about talent? He may as well have said Brooke's got a large fan base so she's staying around and even though Jason sang the songs as if he was already home on the couch, the ladies are going to keep him in the running so it falls to you to take the hit. I get that this is about David Cook and David Archuleta. Heck I even have a Squidoo Lens devoted to David Cook. But come on, who is it gonna hurt if you give credit where credit is due. Syesha gave two great performances. She was sexy and earthy and sang beautifully. I like Syesha, but I watch her with a critical eye because, in her past performances she has often held back and seemed not at all present.

I saw none of that this evening. She was completely in her skin and in her element. Last week she came out of her shell for Andrew Lloyd Webber and she stayed out for Neil Diamond and gave two great renditions. Her first song "Hello Again" was delivered with such a vulnerability and deftness that the song felt like it was hers. That is saying a lot, since "Hello Again" is my favorite song by Neil Diamond. The fact that she was able to completely co-opt the song is quite impressive. It felt current and relevant. Her second offering was Diamond's "I Thank the Lord for the Nighttime". This was equally well done. With gospel undertones and a fun reggae beat, Syesha brought it on home. She worked the stage, was pitch perfect and connected emotionally with the material. I can't think of what else Simon could have possibly wanted.

I admit that I'm a little miffed about Simon's remarks to Syesha. I've disagreed with Simon or felt that he was harsh but I've never been angry about anything that he's done until now. It all smacks of favoritism. It's enough to know the voters are voting based on who they like and not based on talent, but to get that same vibe from the judges. I understand that someone has to go, but at least acknowledge the great work she did. I felt like he was deliberately being mean despite her wonderful performances.

If Syesha is voted off, she can do so with her head held high.