Three Things Why I Believe Jessica Sanchez is the New American Idol

That ninety million votes which American Idol garnered during the Top 3 performances is one of the highest ever in the singing tilt's history. Last year, 122 million votes were registered after the finale performances. AI observers think that this season's toss-up between Jessica Sanchez and Philip Philips would generate more interests and of course, more votes after their performances. 

The inclusion of Sanchez in the Top 2 is controversial for two things: first, it was a phenomenal comeback, since Sanchez was nearly kicked out of the show in the Top 7 performances. If she wins, Sanchez will be the very first AI winner to have bounced back after being saved by the judges.

Second, Sanchez will be the youngest AI winner. At sixteen years old, Sanchez also has a long way to go when it comes to professional career, and surely, with her incredible singing ability, and her exotic looks, Sanchez really, is a rare, unpolished gem waiting for super-legendary stardom.

Sanchez has everything in her to win. She sings like an angel, according to Steven Tyler. She registers well on television, according to Jennifer Lopez; and she's the greatest singer which the singing contest has ever discovered, according to Randy Jackson. Vocally, Sanchez has an edge over Georgian native Philip Philips. 

Not only that---Sanchez tends to dominate vocally and in performances whenever she is pitted with other contestants. She shines better than the rest, and surprisingly, Sanchez does this so effortlessly. Sanchez is also in her element whether singing with just one instrument or with a big band. She is also best in singing old songs rendered in her own, angst-y, blue-sy kinda way.

If Philips sings like a cat, Sanchez' growl would surely cause goose bumps during the show. She dominates the stage. It would be extremely hard for Philip Philips to make his performance at par with Sanchez.

Admit it--Philips' style is just as ordinary as other AI winners. There isjust  simply nothing new with what he shows. Philips' voice sometimes falters and in most cases, out of tune. It will be extremely difficult for him to create a moment, seeing that in previous performances, he is content just singing out of tune and without the big band, people would definitely notice the difference.

However, let me caution our fellow Filipino-Americans---the American public tends to vote not so much on vocal ability but on overall stage presence. It happened to Adam when he lost three seasons ago. Adam, like Sanchez, had an amazing voice. He can sing almost every single song with aplomb. 

To my fellow Filipinos out there in the states---don't let this thing happen. Unite. Vote for Jessica. Ask your friends to do so. 

Alert! Jessica Sanchez is in, Joshua Ledet is out.

" The former geek is now on the verge of stardom"

After a phenomenal and historic 90 million votes, the American public has decided---Jessica Sanchez is in, same goes to Philip Philips while Louisiana native Joshua Ledet is set to go home.


Official results show Jessica garnering almost 80 million votes, and the rest were divided between Philips and Ledet in  the most lopsided voting ever in American Idol history.


After giving his all at yesterday's Top 3 performances, the judges thought that Ledet has indeed exhausted all there is to it when it comes to his performances. The vote shows a true rendering which is almost similar to what the judges think.


Ledet's performances, though impressive, are beginning to bore the audiences. Philips is starting to unravel new sides of his performance. Yes, he continues to tread his own interpretation of the songs. It remains to be seen though if Philips would pull off new rabbits under his sleeve. 

" Philips pull the girl's vote out"

Meanwhile, Jessica, some say, is set to deconstruct AI history. If Jessica wins, she will be the first female to break the "all male" AI winners in the past years, and the youngest AI winner. Jessica is just sixteen years old. Many industry insiders are excited about her. Some say she has what it takes to become a legend in the music industry. 


Philips meanwhile, is a drop in a bucket. Many former AI winners singing style is like Philips. He plays the guitar to mask his inability to carry a decent tune. His voice, honestly, is like a cat being crushed. 


So, it's now a toss up--between a young nymph with an angelic, angst-y voice--or a handsome crooner who sings like a cat being bludgeoned to death. You decide.

Who will be in the finale of the American Idol Season 11?

So, its down to three---Filipino-Mexican singer Jessica Sanchez, 'Mantasia' Joshua Ledet and Philip Philips. Who will be on the finale?


For the Americans out there, who is still undecided, just answer this question---who among the three singers will you go and spend your precious dollars for a concert? Will you spend your money buying a Sanchez record, or a Ledet record or a Philip Philips?


If you ask me, I'll spend even a thousand for a Jessica Sanchez record. She's a unique singer. Her style is amazing. Her voice is one of a billion. She can sing almost anything--ballads, rhythm and blues, probably even Western. There's a sophistication in that voice that only legends of old America had. 


Ledet is as common as others while it is entirely difficult even to finish listening to a Philip Philips record. Notice that American Idol needs the entire orchestra just to package these two as legitimate singers. For Jessica's case, all she needs is a good guitar player by her side. 


Ledet's problem is he tries to deny his sexuality. Everyone knows that he's gay. He tries to be straight but whenever he sings, he mimicks fantasia. Tell me a guy singer who fantasizes being Fantasia?


Whoever America votes off tomorrow, even if it is Jessica, that singer deserves a career. The three deserves being there, a testimony of their hard work. 

Jessica Sanchez's I'm Telling You I'm not going

I'm beginning to lose words to describe this performance by Jessica Sanchez today. I mean, this phenom really astounds you with her interpretation of the songs. Unlike other singers like this Joshua Ledet, Jessica's voice has this timbre which somewhat pinches the heart (or in Tagalog, me kurot sa puso). 


I'm still clueless where Jessica gets that "angst" in her voice. She probably is an "old soul" trapped in a young girl's body. I mean, whenever she sings, you feel the emotion there, which, as what Randy Jackson says, takes time to really be developed in a singer. 


Jessica Sanchez really, is a totally different singer. A singer like only happen in a century.

You are so beautiful Jessica Sanchez!

Words can't describe what I felt when I heard Jessica Sanchez singing one of my favorite songs by Joe Cocker. Tears rolled down my eyes as I listen Jessica sing this classic effortlessly. Her voice is as clear as a lucid pond in a bright morning. I was mesmerized. While Jessica was singing this, I was transported to another place. Memories flood my mind.


Immaculate. Beyond description. No words can bring justice to that voice. 


While all the world suffers due to the economic depression and some thru political persecutions, there is a voice that captivates and gets everyone in a rapturous moment. My soul is refreshed, whenever I listen to Jessica.


Jessica Sanchez, you are a gift. You are a gift from God. I am proud that your blood is my blood. I am proud of being Pinoy.


Of course, Joe Cocker's version of this song is different, raw, edgy, and full of angst. Jessica's version is a nymph totally showing to us, the real meaning of beauty. Jessica is a pure soul. Its like a soul bringing out the soul in every single one of us. 


To my fellow Filipino-Americans out there, you must be extremely proud that you have a rare gem such as Jessica. This kind of talent only comes out in a century! Let us enjoy the moment. Let us bask in the radiance of her soul. 


http://youtu.be/eh0RBxVhL9Q

American Idol update: Jessica Sanchez survives elimination: Colton gets the axe

Colton Dixon, the boy with the weird hair-do, got the least number of votes from Americans who watched his last performance in American Idol season eleven. The bottom three went back to its "original members", namely Hollie, Testone and Dixon.

Dixon admitted that he was not in his element last night. His performance was obnoxious. Meanwhile, Hollie's performance is okey vocally but lacks the emotional power that a Sanchez performance gives, while you know how Testone always, always mucks the songs up.

My next bet is Testone. She'll be eliminated because her rendition of those songs are somewhat forced from her. She appears to have difficulty singing those songs.

As for Jessica, well, she better stepped up because the judges already told her that a beautiful voice is not enough to win American Idol. She has to capture the public's heart. She has to create that special moment, every single performance. Jessica, to my mind, is being pressured to do this and that.

And yes, this show is not purely a singing contest. They're looking for the complete package. Jessica must step on her game. She must not appear overly "minority"; otherwise, she might alienate votes.

American Idol Jessica Sanchez bares her soul out--but is it enough to save her the next time?

Her voice is soo good, you get goosebumps every single time she does those runs and those vocal curls. Jessica Sanchez is a rare gem, that's right. Watching Jessica Sanchez performs on the American Idol stage makes one's senses so sharp, the audience swoons when she swoons and ahhs when she ahhs. It's always magical. Jessica Sanchez is like a nymph baring her soul before the world.


Where in the world did she got that delicious angst? I mean, she's sixteen years old. But when she sings, she feels every syllable, every word as if she owns them and tops that with a melody that is sooo sweet, it's a delectable moment hearing her sing.


I just can't wait for her to wax that album. 


Jessica Sanchez is groove, and soul and all that sweet. She's a legend in the making, and Randy Jackson is right when he said that Jessica probably does not know how great she is or she will become. 


She tempts you to accompany her to her world whenever she sings. She coaxes you to come, be with her, as she bares her soul before the universe. She weeps, and the world weeps with her. 


Where did she get that delicious angsts, I ask? Every time she sings a song, that song becomes no 1 in i-Tunes and people go to Youtube.com to research the original singer and compare it with her rendition. And whenever people do that, they come to the conclusion that Jessica sang it better than the original.


However, I notice something terribly wrong and Team Jessica must correct this as soon as possible---Jessica's performance is taking  a dip. Yep, compared with her first performances, the last ones are okey but she's becoming or sounding like or appearing like more of a lounge singer than an American Idol. It's getting to be boring.


Yep, the vocals are still great. Jessica still sounds better even if she's becoming a bore. I would not be surprised if America votes her off again, this time for good.


Oh, never mind. America probably do not love her enough to make her their idol. But, the world waits for her. What American Idol rejected, the world will love many times over.

These times of our discontent

Some of my friends say, write positive things about this administration. Write good things about the President. Okey.


There is such a thing as honesty. When you honestly feel that things are not going the way these should be going, then, you have the responsibility of telling the truth, especially to those who read your blog. A bloggers' responsibility is to his readers and that's undeniable. 


I cannot honestly say that the economy is doing great when I know for a fact that it isn't. This administration says that foreign investors are bullish when in fact, they aren't. Local capitalists, yes, they are making a killing simply because of the inability of government, or let me re-phrase this, government's policy of non-interference in how private businesses conduct their affairs. Government does not realize that its liberal democratic policies are hurting the public. There is such a thing as regulatory powers, which government is supposed to exercise especially in these dire times when local and global economies are experiencing turmoil.


When people are having extremely difficult times coping with a fast constricting economy, crimes go up and the social environment transforms into a dangerous place to live in. Hurting, that is what the public feels right now. 


Consumers are feeling the price crunch and it is too much burden. When times are hard, people tend to save rather than spend their precious pesos and these lead to a depressed retail environment. Just try to go to your favorite grocery and supermarket and you'll realize that half of the people there who go shop buy less and less of the things they need. Clothing stores suffer the most because during these hard times, people prefer to buy food rather than spend their monies going after their favorite dress or shoes. When government do nothing, and let business dictate their own terms, and find it extremely hard to rein them in especially in determination of price, what happens is it leads to the death of small retailers. Small retailers are the first casualties in an economic situation like this, and this bodes ill to those who encourage entrepreneurial pursuits. Aside from seeing the death of small businesses, it also leads to consolidation of medium-sized and big firms. Eventually, in a situation like this, the big firms benefit since they have more capital to sustain themselves while smaller firms find it extremely hard to cope with the times.


And if you look at how things are being managed by the top, you'll find that every single thing is mismanaged. There is no clear policy about anything. When there is fluidity in terms of policy, it bodes ill to those who are dead serious in engaging government from the business standpoint. How will private firms do business with a government who has no clear-cut guidelines? Every single thing is subject to numerous interpretations, based on who you talk to and who you engage yourself with. 


Hence, what can I say except that probably these things are happening because the powers that be want us, ordinary citizens, to just accept our slavery and to lose hope eventually. 


Let me share with one of my most favorite videos. I cry whenever I listen to this. Jessica, really, is all soul.

American Idol's Jessica Sanchez and Jennifer Hudson: Uniqueness

There are some talks that Jessica Sanchez was "saved" because American Idol producers do not want a repeat of the Jennifer Hudson episode which happened several seasons ago. Hudson was eliminated on the seventh round, the same round Jessica got hers. Hudson got a career, and awards to boot while the career of the one who won that contest, Fantasia, never really took off. In the eyes of American Idol producers, the public got it all wrong. Hudson was a better singer and Fantasia too. But, the voters are entitled to their own opinions.


Publics are really a judgmental lot. Reason why Hudson got booted out that was really, she was not AI material. I mean, her voice was a copycat of the big voices in the female category, while Fantasia is, Fantasia. She created a category of her own, with her unique voice. American Idol is supposed to be a contest to find the best singer in America. The public got it all right when they voted for her instead of Hudson. 


Of course, career wise, Hudson had already trumped Fantasia. When both were competing against each other, Hudson was heavier by a few pounds. Now, Fantasia looks more like Hudson while Hudson definitely looks more like Fantasia right now, slimmed and all. 


AI producers probably blamed themselves for being mocked by the public and for being wrong.  They thought Fantasia would be accepted more by the public than Hudson. Reality is, Fantasia was probably, just a flash in the pan. Her voice is not contemporary. Yes, it was as big as Hudson's but Hudson's tone is more pleasurable to listen than Fantasia's falsettos. 


Now, fast forward to 2012 and American Idol has a gold mine in the case of Jessica Sanchez, who, at sixteen years old, possesses such enormous talent and unique vocal personality.


Sanchez is all soul, all vibe and everything sweet, sexy and sublime. She oozes with appeal. She carries herself very well and sings like an urban angel. 


I always listen to her songs every, single time, because it has that angst that nobody in the music industry right now possesses. She's a unique talent, someone who comes once in a generation. She is like Michael Jackson who sprang from an era of great uncertainty. Her voice is fresh. Her voice is pleasurable and is always in tune compared with other competitors.


Seriously, the reason why this season sometimes is a big boner is the fact that all the other competitors pale really in comparison with Jessica. Jessica stands out, every, single time. She's different, and her uniqueness shines above the rest. The rest are just ordinary singers who try their best to be different but fail every, single time.


She's also a great story teller, one that, when she opens her mouth to sing, she transports you to another world, her world, which, ask any music producer out there, is the secret for a platinum. 


Sanchez is our modern nymph, the kind that mystically weaves delicious imagination to your mind when you hear her sing. She has such a dramatic connection with her listeners that every single moment she sings, is a wow thing. 


That is what sells, and Sanchez got it. I agree with Akon that Jessica Sanchez is icon material. Someone even said that Jessica has that legendary thing in her, although, I seriously don't agree with that thought. Legends die young and I don't want it to happen to her. I want her to grow, and I believe that a few years more and we'll truly see the blossoming of probably, the greatest singer that had ever lived.

Jessica Sanchez saved by American Idol judges--wrong move. America is right when it voted Sanchez out

It came as a shocker---the best singer in the competition was voted off by the American public. It happened before in the case of Jennifer Hudson, who, after the competition, went on to win a Grammy and an academy award for both her singing and thespian skills.

Let me be frank and say that we should not blame America for what happened. America did not really vote along racial lines. 

I blame Filipinos for alienating Jessica Sanchez from the rest of America. I blame Filipinos for being "racists".

Before you hit me, let me explain why I think we, Filipinos, are to blame for what happened to Jessica today.

Jessica Sanchez was born and raised in America by a hard-working father, a Mexican who works in the US military and a Filipina. The two countries where Jessica's parents came from, are formerly US colonies. These two countries have strong relationships with America since the early years of US imperialism. 

When the American republic was being formed, these two races were already in America. Mexicans and Filipinos, along with Chinese, Indians, Japanese and other Asians have been in America since the very first time the Federal government was being formed. Hence, like Negros, these races have already been infused or synthesized so to speak with the American public. They are as Americans, as the "whites" or the Anglo-Saxons.

America has accepted this as "fact"--hence, the social harmony now being enjoyed there. What was then a "white supremacist" America of the past has been transformed into a tolerant America of today.

Meaning, in the eyes of America, Jessica is as American as Hollie Cavanagh. 

Now, here's the thing.

Every single time Jessica performs and every video uploaded in the internet, there is always some Filipino out there, claiming to "own" Jessica and trying to "pronounce to the world" her being Filipino and of how, she must "represent her race."

This confuses Jessica and even America. For Jessica, she is American. She was born in America and is a legitimate American citizen. She knows her mother is Filipino and her father, Mexican but deep down inside of her, she's pure American. Why would she represent Filipino, when Jessica is really not purely Pinoy, nor purely Mexican. Her blood is American.

If a particular race is claiming Jessica and trying to tell America that Jessica is not American, but Asian Filipino, why will America vote for a non-American as the top "American idol"? The contest is about looking for an AMERICAN IDOL, not an Filipino-American IDOL or a Latino Americano as AMERICAN IDOL".

I asked Filipinos in my earlier posts to refrain from claiming Jessica as our own. Jessica is not just for Filipinos, but for everybody. Fact is, Jessica is soooo good, she belongs to the world! Jessica Sanchez, ladies and gentlemen, is the property of the world, not by Filipinos.

Whenever Filipinos rant about "Pinoy power" and Pinoy this and that, we are exposing our racism. Remember that Jessica is running in a competition in America, and not Miss Universe. She's running to become the idol of the Americans in terms of singing and not Miss World. 

In a very surprising move, the American Idol judges saved Jessica Sanchez from total elimination. The judges thought that America decided wrong when a majority voted Sanchez out of the competition.

What judges did was admirable but, actually, was totally wrong. It was unfair to the other contestants. It exposed their prejudgments very early in the game.

Really now, when that Korean-American crooner was ousted, I had a feeling that the same thing will happen with Jessica. For one, minority groups in America have a weaker voice than the rest. In America right now, the minority are really Asians, and not Negros. Since the early 1980's, Negros have been integrated successfully into the American society. They are considered mainstream already, not minority.

What consist of the minority groups are Asians, such as Filipinos, Chinese, Koreans and Latinos. They are the new minority groups.

Now, many people think that America is still "white America". The pattern of voting, many people say, depends on color lines. 

In Sanchez's case, America did not vote along racial lines. America just did what it is supposed to do--vote for their idol. Of course, Americans will never vote for someone who claims to be of a totally different race as their "idol"--it is unfair and beneath them to do just that.

Again, let me emphasize this, and this is a lesson for Team Jessica.

Jessica Sanchez is AMERICAN, not Mexipilipino or FilMexican. She must act the way she was born and raised.

Jessica Sanchez--Fil Am Proud

Jessica Sanchez is now on the top eight---seven notches to go before the finale. This early, American Idol judges have predicted that she's a strong contender along with Colton Dixon, whose last performance was equally amazing. Many people think that Jessica's chances are at best fifty-fifty for one reason: the presumption that "white America" will not vote solidly behind an "Asian". This is a lingering perception which I want to discourage. 


I think America has learned to accept that their vast country is not just for "whites" but for everyone. The United States were established upon the strong foundations of democracy, and as a democracy, every single one is equal before the law and before the eyes of those who accept American culture.


Since the dawn of human civilization, there has never been a freer country than the United States. I am no stooge--I am just telling the truth. Of course, some would debate me about the level of freedom or liberality the United States gives to its citizens, but no one would ever dispute the fact that when it comes to individual rights, the government goes beyond its mandate just for its protection.


Jessica was born and raised in the United States by a Filipina mother and a Mexican of a father who serves the United States military. Jessica is a full-bodied American. Jessica's citizenship is American. Her blood, however, bears both Filipino and Mexican blood.


Filipino and Mexican--both races came under the colonial rule of America. During the Spanish times here, Filipinos and Mexicans were linked culturally. 


American Idol judges ask---where does Jessica gets the "angst" in her voice? She's already technically excellent but there is something still entirely Jessica's--the rich tone which evokes imagery and feelings when she sings.


Well, credit that to daily experience as a member of the minority group. Every single day, as what Jessica admitted, she and her family struggles. 


Her struggle is not just about livelihood---she struggles for recognition from the society where she was born. 


Her experience is not different from millions of others born and raised and living every single day in America. Many of them try to accept the perception of being "minority" or being "second class" citizens even those born and raised in America.


Credit that to a society which sees color as akin to financial status. However, the steady rise of minorities in the arts is helping improve the perception of many about skin and ability and talent.


Hence, for me, American Idol must rename itself, since it is becoming not just for "white America" but for every body. Or, probably, re-define the term "American" to mean "global citizens." Peoples of America must see themselves not just US citizens but global citizens united under the banner of democracy.

Jessica Sanchez American Idol Sweetheart

Jessica Sanchez is now one of ten contestants vying for the bragging rights in American Idol. Her last performance was "so-so"but you know what's so good about this girl? She's so humble and she wants to improve herself that when the judges, led by Jennifer Lopez told her some of things which they don't like about the song, Jessica was intently listening and she was not trying to fight the judges off---she was collaborating with them. That shows you character.

And when you have character, you have strength of will. When you exercise that will, anything is possible, including, winning the title. 

She's also humble. Humility comes from an understanding heart. These traits are supposed to have been developed later on, but for Jessica, her development as an artist and as a person is really fast. I hope that Team Jessica has a group of well-meaning friends who will take a look at things from the distance and tell Jessica what they observed, without having to fear anything. Jessica, right now, needs all the constructive criticisms she needs so that she'll fully develop herself as an artist. Most of the times, because of so many "ohs, ahs, and wows", we tend to forget those boos in the backside. 

Those boos are more important than those ahs, because when we improve, we'll always hear them sans the boos. The boos motivate us to become better each time.

Jessica Sanchez American Idol--amazing!

Filipino or not, American or Mexican, Asian or Westerner, one thing is for sure--Jessica Sanchez is an amazing talent. Truly, this American Idol contestant may be the one the entire world is looking for---a fresh and young talent with an extraordinary voice that really touches the soul.


Touches the soul, that's right. For soooo long, the world has longed for a voice that would bring joy to those who lost their entire futures or those who have lost themselves in this crazy, ridiculous world dominated by parasitic Big Business. 


Jessica's voice is entirely different. She's kinda sexy. She's kinda sultry but not in a way that offends you. She puts every emotion in that voice. There's something in her voice that puts her on top, because it is entirely hers. A trademark voice, I should say, that appeals to every body, Asian or no Asian, American or no American.

Jessica Sanchez--the 16 year old phenom

Even if she does not win the American idol contest, I am definitely sure Jessica Sanchez's songs will be smash hits. I think she has that "x-factor" to make it to the Top, even higher than what Charice has already achieved in her young career.


Jessica Sanchez, at 16, is one damn singer. She's always at performance level. 


When she sang Whitney Houston's "I will always love you", I was actually resting in my bed. Her voice roused me from my stupor and it made me very interested in knowing more about this young lady. Really now, after that performance, I've surfed the net about her, and I already know that she's half-Filipina, but for me, it doesn't really matter if she is or she is not. The point is, I suddenly discovered myself, surfing and actually even viewing her Youtube video so many times already, I lost count. Her voice, for me, has no expiration date. It is something sellable, something you can actually bring with you everywhere and will not tire of listening. 


Jasmine is the only half-Filipina who has made it in the Top Two. Will Jessica be the one who will clinch the American Idol top post and made it as one of the most successful AI contestant ever? I think she is the one.

God's gift to the world

She appeals to every single one of us, who loves great music and appreciates great talent. Of course, this is a competition, so it depends on the American public who they wish is the next American Idol. 


I have one appeal though to everyone who reads this piece---stop breast-beating and claiming Jessica only for us, Filipinos.


Jessica belongs to the world now, and her blood, honestly, is not just Filipino, but American and Mexican. I think she is even the reincarnation of my idol, Selena. She has the same history as Selena's and belongs to a family like Selena's. But, unlike Selena, I hope Jessica lasts for as long as God wants us to enjoy her Heavenly Voice. 


She represents everybody, not just Filipino. When a Filipino comments on the AI page and claims Jessica, that Filipino alienates the rest of the American public and hence, affects her vote.


Jessica is simply not just for the Filipino people, but the pride of the world. Rarely do we see such an amazing performance and a talent that astounds every single soul.


As what Jennifer Lopez said to her shortly after her performance, I also want to tell her this--God bless You, Jessica. You're God's gift to humankind.