Entertainment Success

• Tweet

 

Jessica Sanchez has done what no other Filipino-American singer has accomplished in 11 seasons of the American Idol. The Filipina-American-Mexican finished a top the Final 2 in the United States most popular talent show.

The closest Fil-Am singer to come ever close to the top was Jasmine Trias in Season 3. Trias finished in the top 3. Other singer of Filipino descent who made it to the top 12 finals, were Camile Velasco in Season 3, season 7′s Ramiele Malubay, season 10′s Thia Megia and now Sanchez of season 11.

A record number of votes, 132 million, was cast. And at the end of Season 11, Phillip Phillips, a 21-year-old pawn shop worker from Leesburg, Georgia, received more viewer votes than 16-year-old Sanchez of Chula Vista, California.

Phillips’ victory extended the “American Idol” winning streak for males to five consecutive seasons. The last female to win was 17-year-old Jordin Sparks in 2007.

Sanchez immediately thanked her fans worldwide as they tweeted they are all excited for the “AI” tour.

The 16-year-old Sanchez, whose mother is Filipino Editha Bugay from Bataan province and father is Mexican-American Gilbert Sanchez, performed Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing”, Celine Dion’s “The Prayer,” and an original song titled “Change Nothing.”

Sanchez won the vote of Idol judges Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson with her opening performance of Whitney’s hit song “I have nothing” which was chosen by American Idol creator Simon Fuller.

The second round was a tie for both contestants as Idol judge Steven Tyler went for Sanchez who chose to sing Celine Dion’s “The Prayer” and Lopez went for Phillips while Jackson went for both.

In the third round Sanchez sang “Change Nothing”, an original song that will become her first single. The judges said they didn’t like the song but liked her performance.

Reaction to the results was immediate on the microblogging website twitter with many disappointed over the verdict while others expressed their unwavering support for Sanchez as well as congratulations for Phillips.

@asianambition posted “Why did Phillip Phillips win? Like seriously. Jessica Sanchez is WAY better!”

@jthrasher posted “For the sixth time in seven years America voted for the boring white guy with the mediocre voice. The show is getting tired.”

Angeline Quinto, singer: “Jessica Sanchez yan. Wala ng kokontra! Ang lupettttt ”

Carol Banawa, singer: “Well..we all know @JSanchezAI11 will have a HUGE career! We are all proud of you!”

@Checklit posted “The world is your stage now, @JSanchezAI11. America may have been divided in their votes but you made the Philippines stand proud.”

@briankingong posted “Congratulations Philip Phillips for winning American Idol, but more so, Congratulations Jessica Sanchez for winning the WORLD ”

Ruffa Gutierrez, actress, host and former beauty queen: “Phillip Phillips is the New American Idol! But for Filipinos around the world, Jessica Sanchez is our winner. U were amazing!”
Nikki Valdez, singer: “Sad.?”

Tim Yap, host and events organizer: “Collective silence. The white guy with the guitar wins. Predicable. America.”

Jim Paredes, member of Apo Hiking Society: “Middle America wins.. but Jessica wins the world…”

Aiko Melendez, actress: “It was a good fight Jessica!!!!:) Great job!!!”

Miriam Quiambao, beauty queen: “Jessica is such a great sport. She seems really happy for Phillip.”

Chokoleit, comedian: “I knew it, Phillip…..and Jessica starts her new chapter as an international artist soon busting the charts! It was a good run! ?”

Sitti, singer: “Hehe no surprise there…WGWG #5 as America’s Idol.”

Zsa Zsa Padilla, singer and actress: “Congratulations, Phillip Phillips. Great job, Jessica!!! Extremely proud of you!!!”

Denise Laurel, actress: “Jessice will be the one to make it anyway the whole world loves her gosh only 16 with those pipes! and soul!!!

Bianca Gonzales, host: “Congratulations @PPhillipsAI11, well done. to our dear @JSanchezAI11, YOU BLEW THE WORLD AWAY!!! kill that tommy mottola record!”