Meet American Idol's Top 24

A kickboxer! A nanny! An ex-boyfriend of Britney's! Get to know the singers vying for the top prize. By Cara Lynn Shultz

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SYESHA MERCADO

Age: 21
Hometown: Sarasota, Fla., but she now lives in Miami
Finding Her Voice: During Hollywood week, Syesha memorably lost her voice and almost didn't make it to the Top 24.
How She Did It: "I had to talk myself up and think positive and focus on getting better instead of telling myself I'm sick. I just focus on getting better."