It's been five years since singer Aloha Mi'Sho was a finalist on "American Idol" — the same season as Carrie Underwood and Nikko Smith. Her fans have been wondering ever since when she'd bless them with an album.

That wait is over.

This weekend, Mi'Sho (aka Aloha Mischeaux) celebrates the release of her debut effort "Badd," a title cribbed from Michael Jackson's hit "Bad."

She appreciates her fans' patience.

"It's almost a little unbelievable that they sometimes have the same eagerness about my music as I do," Mi'Sho says. "Every day, I find something wrong with myself, and I'm my own worst critic, so I'm shocked they still want it."

No one has been more frustrated than Mi'Sho. But during the years when she wasn't releasing music, she was growing as an artist.

"I didn't understand all the details it took to become the artist I wanted to be," she says. "I wanted to grow up in the music, like when we watched Michael Jackson and other people grow."

Truly, Mi'Sho has grown since we first saw her on "American Idol" in 2005, conquering the Top 20 with a Beyoncé song and her trademark flower in her hair (she has long since ditched the flower).

Since then, Mi'Sho has evolved into one of the most polished young female singers, from her live performances, including opening for John Legend at Fair St. Louis, to the radio-ready feel of her "Badd" EP.

Mi'Sho, who turns 24 on Sunday, is the daughter of St. Louis politician Freeman Bosley Sr. and has gained a certain "It Girl" status locally.

"That's what I want," she says. "I worked for that. It is pressure, but it feels good."

And she delivers on her promise with "Badd." "You," her most vulnerable song, may be a bonus cut, but it's one she can barely get through without crying.

"It talks about parts about yourself that are imperfect," says Mi'Sho, who wrote all the songs on the EP.

Bradd Young and Vega produced the EP, which will be released on Momentum Music Group and Rockhouse Entertainment.

The EP may reinforce comparisons to Beyoncé, something she has faced for years.

"I always rehearse this answer," Mi'Sho says. "Beyoncé doesn't know it, but we've had a relationship for a long time."

Mi'Sho was compared with Beyoncé while in school, though she was busier checking out Aaliyah and Brandy.

"After a while, I started listening to Beyoncé, but I had to stop because it was compromising my growth as a singer," Mi'Sho says. "I love her and thank her for the inspiration. … And I'd rather be compared to Beyoncé than anyone else in the industry."

-- Aloha Mi'Sho EP Release Party for "Badd"/Aloha Mi'Sho Birthday Party with DJ Cuddy • 10 p.m. Sunday, the Label at the Ballpark, 758 South Fourth Street • $10 or free until 10 p.m. • myspace.com/starringaloha

-- '80s Skating Party with Yung Ro, Ruka Puff, Chingy, Gena, Jibbs, Laudie on Da Track, Rockwell Knuckles, J.R., SOSY and more • 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Sunday • Freeman Bosley Skating Rink at Fairground Park • Free