American Idol Finalist Syesha Mercado Joins Broadway's The Book of Mormon as Nabulungi

American Idol finalist Syesha Mercado is taking over the role of Nabulungi in the Broadway production of The Book of Mormon, replacing cast member Asmeret Ghebremichael, who will depart the show in January 2014. As previously reported, Nic Rouleau and Ben Platt, who have been playing Elders Price and Cunningham, respectively, in the second national tour of The Book of Mormon since December 2012, will also join the Great White Way company in January.

Mercado announced the news on November 27 via her Twitter account. "It's official! I'm excited to announce that I will make my Broadway debut with the @BookofMormon company this January. Thank you all for your support. #DreamsDoComeTrue," she posted. Mercado has been performing in the Chicago transfer production of The Book of Mormon since 2012. Her other stage credits include Dreamgirls and Once on This Island.

Featuring a book and score by Trey Parker, Matt Stone and Robert Lopez, The Book of Mormon follows two mismatched Mormon missionaries as they are sent to Uganda to spread their religion. Upon arrival they learn their training may not have quite prepared them for the many challenges they are about to face. The show currently stars Matt Doyle as Elder Price, Cody Jamison Strand as Elder Cunningham, Matt Loehr as Elder McKinley and Michael Potts as Mafala Hatimbi.

The musical is directed by Parker and Casey Nicholaw, who also serves as choreographer. The Broadway production opened in March 2011 and went on to win nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical.