Amber Patrice Riley (born February 15, 1986) is an American actress, singer-songwriter, and philanthropist, known for her role on the series "Glee" as Mercedes Jones. She has also appeared as the daughter of "Dirk Black" in the American Black comedy "All of Us". At the age of seventeen, Riley auditioned for "American Idol" but was turned down by the producers. Most of her cover versions have appeared on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. 