SYESHA MERCADO DAY

Sarasota, FL: The City of Sarasota declared today “Syesha Mercado Day”, as she returns home after becoming a top three finalist -- and the top female vocalist -- in Fox’s blockbuster television show American Idol.

Among the many events planned for her homecoming, there will be a party on the grounds of the John & Mable Ringling Museum during which Syesha will perform a free concert. The concert is expected to begin at approximately 3:30pm.

Public parking will be available starting at 1pm at New College of Florida, located just north of the museum off Tamiami Trail at the corner of College Drive and Bay Shore Road.

The concert is in conjunction with American Idol’s “Hometown Visits”, for the program’s top three finalists. Footage from the event will be shown next Tues., May 13th during American Idol on Fox. Admission to the event is free.

During the festivities, Syesha will be presented with a key to the City of Sarasota. She also will receive a proclamation declaring today “Syesha Mercado Day”.

Syesha’s return home Fri. May 9th will include a full day of appearances throughout the Suncoast. She will begin early in the morning in Tampa, then she will head to Bradenton and Sarasota for public appearances, including the free concert on the grounds of the John & Mable Ringling Museum. Syesha will conclude her exciting whirlwind homecoming by singing the national anthem at the Rays game in St. Petersburg. Check out her homecoming schedule here.

Prior to becoming a national singing sensation on American Idol, Syesha Mercado attended Booker High School in Sarasota. She graduated from the BHS Visual & Performing Arts program in 2005 and remains connected to the school and community. To learn more about her early years performing at BHS click here.

Also, in 2005, the Sarasota community experienced an early taste of Syesha’s talents as she performed the “Star Spangled Banner” at a residents’ open house for the Sarasota Housing Authority. To view the photos, click here.