Mercado is already living the dream

Syesha Mercado spoke these inspiring words to students at Booker High School in her hometown of Sarasota, Fla., last week. As a top three finalist on this season's "American Idol," Mercado knows all about "making it happen."

When asked what her happiest moment was on the "American Idol" Web site, Mercado said, "Making the top 24 — it took many obstacles to overcome to make it here."

Adversity can definitely make or break someone. For Mercado, it gave her the strength to push herself week to week. And Mercado is no stranger to adversity. Besides overcoming musical obstacles on the show, she has been jumping personal hurdles for quite some time.

Not only has she been an inspiration to fans and friends but also to members of her family who have had rough going in their lives. Her father, Jose, has struggled with alcohol and drug addiction; he's been arrested multiple times since 1993; and he's served prison time.

Her mother, Zelda, has also been arrested several times and served time for a probation violation. But despite her parents' rocky lives, Mercado was somehow able to stay positive — and it paid off.

"Welcome to your dream, Syesha," judge Paula Abdul said two weeks ago after Mercado finished singing "A Change Is Gonna Come" by Sam Cook. "This song took on a totally different meaning for me," an emotional Mercado said. "I feel like I've changed a lot."

This past week, Mercado visited her hometown and saw her parents again — and they are doing well.

"I struggled through drugs and alcohol for years, and this is like a natural high for me," said Jose Mercado. "This gives me a purpose and a reason to stay clean."

"I feel so happy," a tearful Syesha Mercado said as she drove away. "I didn't expect this. This is so good!"

As Mercado exited the competition Wednesday night, leaving the two Davids — David Archuleta of Murray and David Cook of Blue Springs, Mo. — to compete head-to-head, host Ryan Seacrest asked if she had any last words to the people that supported her.

"I don't know what to say. There are too many words," Mercado said. "So, thank you. Just thank you."

She won't be gone for long. In addition to a budding career in the music industry, we'll definitely see more of her soon — like next week, as the finale kicks off!

This was one of my favorite times. All of the top 12 contestants are reunited, and we just get to have fun!

This year's finale will take place at the NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. But back in Season 2, we performed at Universal Studios. Rehearsals were a ball. There was never a dull moment.

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