Jessica Sanchez Fever is Far From Over!

With the voice of a superstar and personality of a sweetheart, Jessica Elizabeth Bugay Sanchez has undoubtedly captured the hearts of many. In spite of finishing 2^nd place in American Idol Season 11 , the 16-year-old singing sensation has had nothing but love, cheers, and support from her family and fans.

For Jay, as her Blujays fondly call her, it has been a long but successful journey. The US first saw Sanchez on America’s Got Talent when she was just 10 years old. Though she did not win, Sanchez left everyone wondering how a little girl could possibly be that talented and confident onstage. Little did America know that the same girl would soon touch people’s lives around the world. Thanks to American Idol, we all got to see the sensation once again. The three Idol judges, mentor Jimmy Iovine, celebrity guest mentors, and fans – all would agree that Jessica’s performances often left everyone in awe. From the moment she auditioned in San Diego up to the Finale, those who listened to her knew that she would one day succeed in the music industry. 

Jay has sang numerous hits and all-time favorites like Whitney Houston’s ‘I Will Always Love You’ and ‘I Have Nothing’, Mariah Carey’s ‘My All’, Beyonce’s ‘Sweet Dreams’, Aerosmith’s ‘I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing’, which she nailed in front of Steven Tyler, and Jennifer Holliday’s ‘And I’m Telling You’. In addition to this, Jay’s duet with the Original Dream Girl during the Finale has been considered one of the best moments on American Idol EVER. These are only a few among her countless ‘moment of moments’ on the show. 

But more than the accolades and standing ovations Jessica earned, it was her being saved by the judges during the Top 7 elimination that made her fans really come out and vote. This made way for a particular group of supporters to campaign extremely hard – the Filipinos. Since Jessica’s mother Edita Sanchez came from Bataan, the Philippines has considered the 16-year-old lady an adopted daughter. But more than the pride of the race, it’s the inspiration that Jessica gives, especially to young women, that counts. Most Filipinas in Jessica’s age group want to be just like her.

This is true not because Randy Jackson said she can sing the phonebook, not because Steven Tyler said she sings like an angel, and not because Jennifer Lopez said she’s one of the best singers ever.  The reason is beyond the singing ability of Jessica Sanchez. It is beyond what the judges say about her performances. It is beyond the way she steals the show every time she comes out. It is mainly about her courage to dream, and her humility to look back. For Filipinas, there has never been a 16-year-old like Jessica who sings her heart out and still never forgets to do her school work (Yes! She has school work, too!) and thank God for her family and her army of loving Blujays. Is there anything more inspiring than this? Filipino or not, who doesn’t admire Jessica?

Yes, American Idol Season 11 is now over, but Jessica Sanchez is still out to show the world more of her music. She sings the national anthem at huge events. She appears on TV and in print. Fans call her the World Idol. Fans listen to her night and day. Once she opens her mouth, the best voice heard in recent years comes out. Wherever in the world you are, Jessica Sanchez Fever is not far…and it is far from over. We have yet to see more of this young superstar.