American Idol Loves Syesha, Tina

Syesha Mercado survived yet another elimination round on American Idol Wednesday night and advanced to the final three of the hit Fox television singing competition. Mercado -- the last woman standing among the initial contestants -- beat out dreadlocked Jason Castro to join David Cook and David Archuleta in the penultimate sing-off for the title of "American Idol."

Mercado delivered a solid performance on Tuesday, singing two songs, including Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come." The Florida-based singer said the song resonated for her because of its connection to the civil rights movement and because America stands poised to elect its first female president or its first African American president.

But it was Mercado's rendition of "Proud Mary" that drew much of the media attention. Although The Washington Post criticized the performance as Mercado's attempt to do "Beyoncé doing Tina Turner doing 'Proud Mary,'" the fans apparently liked it enough to keep her in the show, at least for another week.

It also reminded us of just how many people have covered that famous Tina Turner hit, even on American Idol. Here are two of the American Idol performances below.

First, American Idol's Syesha Mercado sings Tina Turner's "Proud Mary" on Tuesday.

Next, Trenyce Cobbins sings Tina Turner's "Proud Mary" on season two of American Idol in 2003.

(H/T: Entertainment Weekly)