Season 7’s top girl, Syesha Mercado, turned 25 yesterday. Syesha spent her birthday relaxing and opening presents in her hometown. She tweeted, “I was born at 11pm on Jan. 2nd, which explains me being a night owl...Lol Today was a great day spent with family & friends on Siesta Key!”

From 2009-2011, Syesha starred as Deena Jones in the national touring production of Dreamgirls. Starring in a renowned Broadway musical is fitting for Syesha. During Andrew Lloyd Webber Broadway night of Season 7, the judges felt that Syesha was really in her element when performing. Syesha’s other American Idol hits include The Beatles’ “Yesterday” and Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come.” In 2011, Syesha portrayed a character named Mia in the movie Dreams. The movie should be released sometime this year.

Syesha has mentioned that she plans on releasing an album, and she’d love to tour and appear in movies and television shows.

See who will follow in Syesha’s footsteps when American Idol returns for Season 11 on January 18 & 19 at 8/7c only on FOX!

Happy Birthday, Syesha!

See photos of Syesha performing "One Rock N' Roll Too Many" during Season 7's Broadway week.