Syesha Celebration Day celebrates Sarasota’s American Idol star

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Syesha Mercado, Sarasota’s own American Idol star, Broadway performer and more was celebrated at Syesha Celebration Day on Saturday, May 6 at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park in Sarasota.

Mercado reached national prominence as the third-place finalist on the seventh season of American Idol.

“It’s beautiful to see her back in the community because it’s important for our youth to understand that they have to stay grounding, this is the beginning and God always takes you back to the beginning so that you can understand where your roots lie or where it started from,” said Shavonda Griffin, organizer for Syesha Celebration Day.

These days she’s enjoying her time in Sarasota where she enjoys singing to local children.

“It’s always something that has been in my heart, to inspire people and motivate people and connect with people in a very real, authentic way,” said Mercado.