After inevitable Syesha Mercado elimination, an all-David 'Idol' finale awaits
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- May
- 15
For about two months now, it was only a matter of who would finish third leading up to the all-David finale for which the producers and judges have shamelessly shilled.
That meant comeback kid Syesha Mercado—the drop-dead gorgeous victim of seemingly endless bottom 2’s and 3’s and the kind of unwarranted judges’ criticism matched only by Carly Smithson—finally bid adieu at the end of last night’s results show.
But what a run it was. From moment one, I knew Syesha had potential. When the Top 24 was revealed, I wrote, “Fine, I’ll say it. If there’s any justice, she’s the ‘American Idol’ for Season 7.”
More than three months later, I’m not quite as sold on what I wrote then. David Cook’s been the season’s most buzz-worthy and consistent contestant, albeit just shy of the innovative Blake Lewis in terms of commentary worthy of the water cooler. David Archuleta’s “Imagine” might have been the best performance of the season, despite it happening so soon in the voting process that he peaked with that song among viewers older than 16. And since Elliott Yamin, I don’t think I’ve rooted harder for any contestant more than I have for Carly, whose brilliance was dulled only by the occasional poor song choice and the frequent malaise of Judges’ Row.
But other than those three, I challenge you to name a better performer and pure singer to grace the “Idol” stage this season. The only song from Tuesday’s show to circle through my head was Syesha’s sexy, solid and fully choreographed version of “Fever,” which she selected for herself without the burden of a weekly theme (what a concept!). Upon first glance, viewers might have seen it as an easy way for the actress to land parts in Broadway productions; but a more savvy fan might realize that with every swayed hip and crossed leg, she was making a point of reaching a demographic that worries not about boyish sensibilities or pop-friendly rock. She was selling herself as a sexy R&B star in a much more viable way than the lame song from “Happy Feet” ever could. (Note to producers: Forcing two out of three songs upon contestants in the second-to-last week seems more unfair than fair; yes, even more unfair than picking a “hit” from the Neil Diamong songbook.)
This is not to say Syesha didn’t have her faults. Her tearful moments seemed artificial for someone so poised on stage. She clashed with judges in a way that made her look defensive, particularly frustrating for viewers who knew her outstanding performances spoke so much more eloquently than the judges’ left-field jabs. And after singing Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come,” she made what should have been a triumphant moment tacky by repeatedly comparing her run on a reality TV show to the struggles of the civil rights movement.
So third is where Mercado finishes and that seems about right, give or take a place. And the fun part about finishing third is that there’s no time for anyone to “celebrate (her) home.” She’ll be a part of next week’s finale festivities.
More about the finale will be posted on Remote Access in the days to come, so stay tuned.
(Photos courtesy of Fox.)
This entry was posted
on Thursday, May 15th, 2008 at 5:56 pm by Chris Serico.
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