Q&A: "Idol" finalist Mercado eyes bigger stage

By Fred Bronson

LOS ANGELES (Billboard) - Syesha Mercado, who has sung everything from the Beatles' "Yesterday" to Fantasia Barrino's "I Believe," is the last woman standing among the Season 7 "American Idol" final four. In this exclusive interview, the 21-year old from Sarasota, Florida, discusses her musical family and the lessons she's learned while doing the Fox show.

Q: When did you start watching "American Idol?"

Syesha Mercado: I started watching the show the first year, when Kelly Clarkson won. After that, I watched on and off because I was too busy learning lines (in performing arts classes) and doing school activities. I was a really, really busy person. I've always been that way, and I think I will always be.

Q: What are some of the lessons you've learned doing "Idol?"

Mercado: To relax, because sometimes I can be a perfectionist and I can rehearse to the point where it's not a good thing. Sometimes you need to relax and enjoy the moment. I've stressed myself out so much that I take out all of the excitement out of the entire process. I can't even enjoy myself because I'm so worried about things that I shouldn't be worried about. I've learned to trust my voice and trust that I can do things. You know, I don't have to overwork myself because it can all happen naturally. It can all fall into place the way it's supposed to if I let go and relax.

Q: What have you learned about the music industry while doing the show?

Mercado: One of our vocal coaches told us this is star school. She told me that when I walk out on that stage, walk out like a star. And sometimes I haven't walked out there like a star, and it shows. I know after I'm done, "I didn't walk out there like a star" only because I was letting those thoughts in my head just get to me and stressing out instead of taking a deep breath and doing what I came here to do: open my mouth and sing. So I've learned how much hard work goes into (this). You don't really get a break. It's just constant, constant, constant, constant. You really have to work for what you want. You have to memorize your stuff, and there's a fine line between doing what you need to do and going out there and trusting and then overdoing it, overworking.

Q: Was there anyone in your family who was musical? When did you first become aware of music as a child?