Mercado played Deena Jones in the United States national tour of Dreamgirls that also opened internationally in Japan.[2] The tour began at the Apollo Theater on November 7, 2009.[3]
Biography
Early life
Mercado was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on January 2, 1987.[4] Her mother, Zelda, a former Motown backup singer, is African American and her father, José, is of Puerto Rican descent.[5] Mercado grew up in Bradenton and Sarasota, Florida. She attended the Theatre Program at Booker High School for the Visual and Performing Arts. She graduated with a certificate as a performance major in Sarasota, where she appeared in various productions. At the 2005 Florida Theatre Conference and the 2005 South Eastern Theatre Conference, Mercado won "Best Supporting Actress" for her role as the Sour Kangaroo in Seussical the Musical.[6] Mercado also appeared as a contestant on the failed ABC talent show, The One: Making a Music Star in summer 2006.[7]
Education
Mercado attended Daughtrey Elementary School and Manatee School for the Arts both in Manatee County.[8] Dreaming of becoming a gospel singer one day, Mercado signed a contract at age nine with the Take Stock in Children, a scholarship program for "low-income families who show potential for college, but are unlikely to be able to afford a higher education."[8] Mercado graduated from Booker High School in 2005, where she was in the Theatre Visual and Performing Arts department.[9] She also attended Florida International University in Miami, majoring in theatre.
Personal life
Mercado is best friends with former idol contestant Ramiele Malubay. In 2021, her infant son was put in foster care over concerns about malnutrition.[10] In 2023, two years after the ordeal and she says that the "healing process is something that will take a lifetime to deal with."[11]
^Note A: Based on 3 Judges, text message and internet votes. 2,000,000 in total
American Idol
Overview
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (December 2009)
She auditioned for the seventh season of American Idol in Miami, Florida, singing "Think" by Aretha Franklin where she made it to Hollywood with all three judges saying 'yes'.[12] When she arrived in Hollywood she had lost her voice and insisted on going on vocal rest. She was seen communicating through paper and pen to the camera throughout the week.[13] She sang "Chain of Fools" and was accepted into the top 24.[14] She was the only female in the top three and was voted off on May 14 allowing fellow contestants David Archuleta and David Cook to compete in the finale. She thus joined Kimberley Locke and Jax as the female contestants to get voted off in the top three to allow two male contestants to compete in the finale.
Despite good reviews from the judges, Mercado had been in the bottom three or two five times without being voted off. This meant a tie with first season fellow 3rd place finalist, Nikki McKibbin, for the most weeks spent in the bottom three or two at the time. Later, fourteen season fourth place finalist, Rayvon Owen, was featured in that same position six different times. Some commentators, including American Idol judge Simon Cowell, believed her style was more suited for Broadway than pop music.[15]
She's gained acclaim in musical theater, advocating for social and environmental causes, and launching eco-friendly products. Mercado's journey from Idol to multi-talented artist, activist, and entrepreneur reflects her dedication to the arts and her commitment to making a positive impact.[16]
^Note 1: Mercado was saved first from elimination.
^Note 2: When Ryan Seacrest announced the results for this particular night, Mercado was among the Bottom 3 but declared safe second when Chikezie was eliminated.
^Note 4: When Ryan Seacrest announced the results for this particular night, Mercado was among the Bottom 2 but declared safe when Carly Smithson was eliminated.
Post-Idol career
Mercado performing during the American Idols Live! Tour 2008.
Mercado also performed in concert events, including the Orchestra in the Outfield with the Sarasota Orchestra in 2015, and appeared in the 2013 independent film Dreams.[17]
Theatre
In 2009, she was cast as Deena Jones in a revival of Dreamgirls, which opened at the Apollo Theater in New York and toured nationally from November 7, 2009 to December 29, 2010.[18] On November 4, 2009, Mercado appeared on The Wendy Williams Show[19] to promote the tour.
Mercado then starred as Ti Moune in the revival of Once on This Island at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey. Opening night was May 30, 2012, on a run through June 24.[20]
Mercado performed in the Chicago transfer production of Broadway musicalBook of Mormon. She was a late addition to the cast, replacing Stephanie Umoh during rehearsals in the role of Nabulungi.[21] From January to June 2014, Mercado reprised the role, making it her Broadway debut.[22]
↑ Handleman, Jay; Christine Hawes (February 14, 2008). "Her song continues on 'Idol'; Booker High alumna makes show's top 24". Sarasota Herald-Tribune (Florida). pp.BS1.
↑ Handelman, Jay (July 18, 2006). "Sarasota singer sees key to stardom in TV series". Sarasota Herald-Tribune (Florida). pp.BS3.
1 2 White, Dale (October 2, 1996). "Fourth-Grader First to Accept New 'Contract'". Sarasota Herald-Tribune (Florida). pp.1B.
↑ Stacy, Mitch (March 14, 2008). "'Idol' finalist Mercado always seemed destined for big things". The Associated Press. pp.Entertainment News.
↑ Holmes, January (February 2, 2008). "Local girl makes 'Idol' run". The Bradenton Herald (Florida). p.1.
↑ Berman, Craig (February 21, 2008). "Flu takes its toll on 'American Idol' women". MSNBC.com.
↑ Thomas, Becnel (February 20, 2008). "Sing from the soul, hope for the best; Inside the whirlwind of 'Idol,' one contestant strives for focus". Sarasota Herald-Tribune (Florida). pp.A1.
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