She's Your Dreamgirl: Syesha Mercado

Photo Credit: Albane Navizet

Syesha is no stranger to the stage after her huge success on American Idol season 7, where she was the 2nd runner up. With music in her blood, considering the fact that her mom was a singer, and her electrifying performance presence it’s no surprise that Syesha has always had a strong desire to own the stage. She spent the majority of her life attending performing arts schools in preparation for the very moment that she would be cast into the first official revival of Dreamgirls as lead singer of The Dreams, Deena Jones (recently portrayed by Beyonce Knowles in the recent film that earned former American Idol contestant, Jennifer Hudson, an Oscar). Syesha actually got the chance to sit down and talk with Hudson, hear her story, and get some tips about being in a show that is so richly sown into our history. It is definitely a dream come true for Syesha, who has one of the most beautiful voices of this generation. She has such a dynamic and versatile voice. She can sing anything from Rock N’ Roll to Theater, all the way back to her Gospel Roots, and that is very evident when you hear her sing.

Being cast in such a historic production was a rigorous and long process. It took over a year for the cast of Dreamgirls to be selected. One can imagine the anxiety Syesha must have experienced waiting to hear a final confirmation from casting directors as to if she has been selected to fill such shoes. When she finally got the call, it was something magical, a Kodak moment, something that you’d only see on TV. She was walking passed Radio City Music Hall when she received a call from her agent with the great news, and immediately, her emotions took over. She just began to explode in excitement, despite the millions of people walking around her. One of the most important things said to Syesha concerning her casting was the assurance that while American Idol may have exposed her to the producers, it was her talent that grasped their attention. This proves that if you work hard at what you do, the right opportunity will come that’s made just for you.

Syesha has already appeared on The Wendy Williams Show and USA Today to give fans a preview of what they can look forward to hearing in the production. If you would like to follow Syesha, check her out on twitter (http://www.twitter.com/syesha ), and make sure you go and see Dreamgirls when it hits Chicago January 19th – January 31st. You can check out http://www.dreamgirlsonstage.com/ to get ticket information.