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Thousands cheer on Syesha
By JANUARY HOLMES and GRACE GAGLIANO
Herald Staff Writers

Syesha Mercado's hometown visit Friday attracted thousands of fans and well-wishers, who cheered with excitement at the "American Idol" finalist's arrival.

Dressed in a black blouse, jeans and her trademark gold hoop earrings, she - and a large entourage of "Idol" film crews, her parents and other family members - breezed through several spots in Bradenton and Sarasota throughout the day.

The 21-year-old drew the biggest crowd at the John and Mable Ringling Museum's Ca d'Zan bay front, where at least 2,000 to 3,000 people waited for hours in the hot Florida sun for the singer's arrival.

They shouted to the top of their lungs for Mercado when she passed by the scene several times in the air via helicopter before landing on the other side of the grounds moments later.

Mercado was awestruck at how many of her supporters showed up.

"From up there it didn't look like there were many people," the aspiring actress/singer said. "You guys are amazing. It's so good to be back home. Oh my gosh!"

During the Ringling visit, a special fax came from "Idol" Judge Randy Jackson announcing the song Mercado will sing for next Tuesday's show. Sarasota Mayor Lou Ann Palmer read the fax, telling the crowd the song would be "If I Ain't Got You," by Alicia Keys.

Mercado couldn't believe her ears.

"I used to sing it with my band ... I've done it a million times," she said.

'Syesha Mercado Day'

Throughout the day, Mercado was bestowed with many honors, including keys to the city in Bradenton and Sarasota, certificates of recognition by Manatee and Sarasota county commissioners and numerous honors from her high school alma mater.

The whirlwind visit began early Friday morning in Tampa with interviews, followed by an appearance in downtown Bradenton where nearly a thousand fans showed up.

She arrived at City Hall about 11 a.m. in a black stretch limousine, accompanied by Manatee County sheriff's deputies.

As Mercado emerged from the limo parked along Old Main Street, fans gathered around to snap photos, show off signs and welcom the Manatee County resident home.

Escorted by sheriff's deputies and Bradenton Police officers, Mercado walked along the riverfront walkway crowded by media and fans to the sound of more than 1,000 fans chanting "Syesha, Syesha, Syesha."

She took the stage holding a bouquet of white roses and wiping tears from her cheek.

"Could I get a tissue?" Mercado asked.

After she received a tissue from Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, Whitmore read a proclamation declaring May 9 as "Syesha Mercado Day."

"Syesha, this is your day in Manatee County," Whitmore said.

Mayor Wayne Poston followed up by declaring Mercado an ambassador for Bradenton and handing her the key to the city.

"It doesn't open the vault, but it opens our hearts to you," Poston said.

As Mercado looked on she spotted a group of children from her alma mater, Daughtrey Elementary School, and blew a kiss to them.

She then recalled her days with the school's dance team and under the instruction of Wendy Herrara, now principal at Orange Ridge/Bullock Elementary.

clip of her singing embedded on page
Bradenton.com | 05/10/2008 | Thousands cheer on Syesha