Here goes.
May 18, 2012, 2:48pm
Will Jessica be the last person standing on the 'Idol' stage as judge Steven Tyler predicted? (Photo from Michael Becker/FOX)
MANILA, Philippines – When Jessica Sanchez sang the powerhouse classic “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” on “American Idol” last week, she apparently meant it.
In the highly-anticipated results show held Thursday (US time), Jessica was announced as one of the top 2 contestants, thus becoming the first-ever half-Filipina to reach the finale of the hit US singing search.
The 16-year-old Jessica, who also has Mexican roots, will go head-to-head with heartthrob rocker Phillip Phillips. Joshua Ledet, a perceived frontrunner who holds the record for the most number of standing ovations received from the “Idol” judges, was sent home after receiving the fewest number of votes from the 90 million ones cast.
Some Jessica fans were worried that she would not make it to the finale, as some write-ups deemed that the petite diva was in danger after supposedly failing to deliver momentous performances during the Top 3 show—aired in the US on May 16—notwithstanding the generally positive reviews she got from the judges.
She was also the sole contestant who did not receive a unanimous standing ovation from the judges (she got one courtesy of Steven Tyler after her performance of the Aerosmith smash hit, “I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing”).
Before the revelation of the final two contestants, “AI” mentor Jimmy Iovine shared his views about how the three contestants fared in their performances. For Jessica, the ace record producer felt that her take on Mariah Carey’s “My All” (judge Jennifer Lopez’s choice) wasn’t enough to secure her victory, as with her personal choice, “I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing.” As for his choice, Jackson 5’s “I’ll Be There,” Jimmy realized that Jessica had to sing both Michael and Jermaine’s parts which might not have done her a favor.
In order for Jessica to win, Jimmy said that she “has to have the most magical moment she’s had so far,” wisely choosing songs that would help her achieve so. He also said, “Jessica's worthy of singing on the Grammys.”
As their “Idol” journey nears its culmination, Jessica summed up what the whole process means to her.
“This means everything! I’ve so much fun and that’s what I told myself today, I mean, I’m in the Top 3. It’s nerve-wracking, we’re fighting for the Top 2 but it’s like I should enjoy my moment right now. I just got home from San Diego from the most supportive group, I picked really difficult songs but I’m still here to fight for it. I’m going up against these guys, so that must prove something. It’s just been an amazing ride and whatever happens, happens,” the San Diego, California native told Fox All Access after the Top 3 performances.
If she bags the “Idol” crown, Jessica will be the first female winner in five years, after Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks. The succeeding seasons saw the WGWGs (white guys with guitar) earning the coveted spot: David Cook (Season 7), Kris Allen (Season 8), Lee DeWyze (Season 9), and Scotty McCreery (Season 10).
Jessica was nearly eliminated more than a month ago after receiving the least number of votes during the Top 7 week. The judges, apparently without second thoughts, unanimously gave her the sole save of the season.
Prior to Jessica, Fil-Am Jasmine Trias made it to the Top 3 of “American Idol” Season 3. Other “Idol” finalists with Filipino blood include Camile Velasco (Top 9, Season 3), Ramiele Malubay (Top 9, Season 7), and Thia Megia (Top 11, Season 10).
“American Idol” Season 11 finale takes place on May 23.
2 comments:
Jessica Sanchez is a fantastic singer and should have won it all. Can't wait until she produces a CD. I will be first in line to buy.
Yeah, Americans lost their only chance to crown a true diva with the likes of Whitney Houston and Donna Summers.
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