SARASOTA COUNTY - American Idol is no doubt a popular television show.  But this season it's watched even more on the Suncoast because of one contestant. 

Booker High School is home of the Tornados and was also home of Syesha Mercado.  Syesha graduated from Booker in 2005 and she was known for her talents even back then.  She was involved in the school's theater department and her teacher says she tried out for American Idol back in high school but didn't make it through to the audition room.

But now she has.

"Everyone always knew that she was incredibly talented.  Like I said, she is sort of a legend here on campus in all aspects.  What I don't think American Idol knows is what a strong actress she is, what a strong dancer she is," says Booker acting teacher Scott Keys. 

Students that we spoke with today are hoping she will go all the way and become the next American Idol.

And the ladies will belt it out tonight and the students and teachers at Booker High say they will be picking up the phone and voting for their hometown girl.