Jessica Sanchez, MY American Idol

     I was thinking of stuff to write about this sixteen year old girl from San Diego, California -- yet I'm at a loss for words to describe how talented she is.  I'm listening to her video in the background as I type and all I can say is -- this girl can really sing! (Sorry, needed to borrow this line from Randy Jackson).  While enjoying her music, I turned to Wikipedia for some quick facts about Jessica Sanchez.

Name:  Jessica Elizabeth Sanchez
Birthday:  August 4, 1995
Dad:  Gilbert Sanchez, Mexican-American from Texas
Mom:  Editha Bugay Sanchez, Filipino from Bataan, Philippines

Career Highlights:

• At age 10, a standing ovation performance of Aretha Franklin's "Respect" on the Showtime at the Apollo where host Whoopi Goldberg called her back again on stage for another round of applause.
• At age 11, competed on the first season of America's Got Talent though she didn't make it to the semi-finals.
• On September 22, 2008, sang The Star-Spangled Banner on NFL and once again on September 27, 2009.
• In 2009, released on iTunes her cover of Rihanna's "Don't Stop the Music" and the following spring, another single, this time a cover of Etta James' "I'd Rather Go Blind."
• In 2010, Jessica was one of the singers in "We Are the World 25 for Haiti (YouTube Edition)."

     Jessica Sanchez, as of writing this post, is currently on the top 5 of American Idol Season 11.  It can be noted that on the Top 7 performance week, Jessica got the lowest number of votes and was in danger of being eliminated though however was dramatically saved by the judges.  Since season 8 of this talent search, the judges have been given the power to save an idol from being kicked out of the competition.  The save can only be used once and only before top five.  Jessica is officially the first female and the fourth finalist to be saved from elimination in all of American Idol history.

     In my opinion, Jessica is growing tremendously as an artist -- and with the support she's getting from around the world, she will definitely become a superstar.  Her mentors are quick enough to point out the stuff that she needs to work on, and she gets right into it while maintaining who she is as an artist.  As I review her videos, I was quick to notice that Jessica Sanchez is a becoming a better version of herself in every performance.  I can't wait as she sings her own songs and records her own albums.  For the meantime, let's enjoy her covers of some of the greatest songs and relive their meaning through Jessica's awesome interpretation.

     I will end this post with her Top 6 Performance on American Idol.  Listen closely and be touched by a voice that can be as soft as heaven or as fierce as a tiger's growl.  Jessica is a PRO at such a young age and it's amazing how she has control over her voice even if the notes are as high as the ceiling -- heck, even her low registers are a spot on.

     I do hope that America will vote for her.  And whether or not she makes it, Jessica Sanchez IS my American Idol.  It doesn't really matter where she comes from, what matters more is the talent that she's willing to share with us.  Besides, this world is big enough to make room for a Jessica Sanchez who will inspire us through her music, her soul, and her voice.

     Thank you guys for visiting my blog.  See you all on my next post!

UPDATE, May 17, 2012:  Jessica Sanchez is Top 2 American Idol and she will be battling for the title against Phillip Phillips.  Read more HERE.

UPDATE, May 24, 2012:  Phillip Phillips was crowned American Idol for season 11 and Jessica Sanchez landed the runner up.  Read more HERE.

*Information about Jessica Sanchez taken from Wikipedia.
*Photo taken from American Idol official website.
*Video taken from American Idol Official YouTube Channel.