'American Idol' finalists don't always find fame and fortune after being voted off the popular singing competition. And even if they are lucky enough to participate in the pomp and circumstance of the show's nationwide tour, sometimes getting a second break never happens.

For Season 7 second runner-up Syesha Mercado, her post-'Idol' career is alive and well, thanks to her role as Deena Jones in a new production of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical 'Dreamgirls.' The Connecticut native beat out 1,400 girls in a rigorous six-month audition for the lead. She just wrapped her run on Dec. 12 at the famed Apollo Theater, ironically, the place where the 'Dreamgirls' storyline begins and ends.

Now, the 22-year-old sits down with BV Newswire to discuss her dream role and what she's planning after the critically-acclaimed production's national tour.

What was it like performing night after night at the Apollo Theater, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary?

Ever since we started previews, I've been so excited. There's a man named Mr. Apollo, who used to run errands for the artists in the '60s and '70s, and he reminds us to be grateful that we are here. It's just an honor. I'm definitely going to miss the Apollo. It's such a beautiful building. I see all these pictures of so many amazing artists -- Eartha Kitt, Sammy Davis, Jr. -- and they've started incorporating '80s and '90s artists, so I've seen Alicia Keys and Jennifer Hudson.

Did you model your performance after some of the famous 'Dreamgirls' cast members like the original Deena, Sheryl Lee Ralph, or even Beyonce, who portrayed Deena in the film adaptation?

I came into this process very fresh and new and tried not to expect anything. I didn't try to model Deena Jones after anybody. I stayed away from the movie and pretty much everything. The play is completely different from the movie. There are so many scenes that weren't in the movie, but I did see some YouTube videos from the original production. That was my research. Then I thought, 'How can I relate to her and her story?' I started seeing her in me and so many things that I can relate to.

The new production finds you singing Beyonce's 'Listen.' Were you excited to hear that song was added as a duet between you and Effie?

I've always loved that song, and for some reason, it always re-enters my life. I auditioned for 'American idol' with 'Listen,' and it wasn't cleared so you weren't able to see it on TV. And I tried to sing the song on the show, but it wasn't cleared. So once the 'American Idol' tour came around for 53 shows, I sang 'Listen' every night, and I remember getting thunderous applause. Then the producers said they were going to add the song to the play, and I found out there were going to be new lyrics. I think that makes perfect sense, and it's the perfect song for Deena and Effie in Act 2.

Do you think 'American Idol' prepared you for this demanding role?

For me, 'American idol' was definitely a boot camp. Wake up at 6 a.m. and go to studios, rehearse, learn songs and dance steps the night of or day before, and if you take away the cameras and the judges, it adds a different element. Both schedules were very intense, but with 'Dreamgirls,' you learn the material and you're dong the same thing every night on stage. The good thing about theater is it's live, and there's no cut."

Are you content with your life after 'Idol?'

I think everything happens for a reason, and I think if you're determined or focused, anything can happen for you. I definitely knew what I was getting into. I knew there was going to be a contract, judges and a chance that I might not win. And I think success is different for each person. For me, I feel like I'm doing exactly what I need to be doing and I'm loving what I'm doing.

Mercado said she will resume recording her debut album when 'Dreamgirls' ends. Fans can follow her at twitter.com/syesha.

The play kicks off its national tour on Dec. 16 at Baltimore's Hippodrome Theater. Before wrapping in Kansas City next summer, it will make tour stops in Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, Seattle, Philadelphia and Dallas.