Syesha Mercado
I Believe
Bit of Idol history: LaKisha Jones attempted this song—the coronation gospel-anthem of season 3 winner Fantasia—last season. And Syesha runs into the same problem: where Fantasia turned this cornball song into a fiery gospel meltdown, Syesha's version is smooth but passionless. "Good, but not as good as a winner," is not how you want to leave Idol voters thinking about you when they pick up that phone.
— by James Poniewozik