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.^[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.

Performances/results

• ^Note A : The show was cancelled after Top 10 week.

Performances/results

• ^Note A : Based on 3 Judges, text message and internet votes. 2,000,000 in total

Overview

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'.^[10] 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.^[11] She sang "Chain of Fools" and was accepted into the top 24.^[12] 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.^[13]

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.^[14]

Performances/results

• ^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 3 : When revealing the results, Seacrest simultaneously declared Mercado and Carly Smithson safe, as Michael Johns 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.

Theatre

It was officially confirmed on June 25, 2009, that Mercado landed the lead role of Deena Jones in the upcoming United States national tour of Dreamgirls. On November 4, 2009, Mercado appeared on The Wendy Williams Show^[15] to promote the tour which began on November 7, 2009, and ended on December 29, 2010.

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.^[16]

Mercado performed in the Chicago transfer production of Broadway musical Book of Mormon. She was a late addition to the cast, replacing Stephanie Umoh during rehearsals in the role of Nabulungi.^[17]

From January to June 2014, Mercado reprised the role of Nabulungi in the Broadway production of the Book of Mormon, making it her Broadway debut.^[18]