Finally, standing ovation again for Jessica Sanchez
MANILA, Philippines – Jessica Sanchez gave a powerful message to "American Idol" viewers and judges: she isn't going -- at least not without a fight.
And they heard her, as the three judges gave the Filipino-Mexican-American contestant a standing ovation for her rendition of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" from the Broadway musical "Dreamgirls."
The last time Sanchez received a standing ovation from the "Idol" judges was when she sang a duet with Joshua Ledet on "I Knew You Were Waiting For Me."
Picking the "Dreamgirls" showstopper as the song she wished she had written, judge Steven Tyler pronounced it another “over the top” performance for Sanchez, who had tears rolling down her cheeks while singing the song.
Judge Jennifer Lopez, who was wowed by Sanchez’s vocal ability, said it seems that it’s going to be race to the finish. "It was a real moment," she said.
Judge Randy Jackson, for his part, said what Sanchez sang is “one of the hardest songs in the world to sing but you slayed it.”
Actress Jennifer Holliday, who originated the role on Broadway, tweeted, "Jessica, God gave you an amazing voice and tonight you sang your song of redemption. Gratitude to God for the save. I love you and your humble heart."
Ledet, a judges favorite, also received a standing ovation -- his 14th so far -- for his performance of "It's A Man's, Man's, Man's World."
Two rounds
For the “California Dreamin” round, Sanchez also drew praise from the judges when she chose to sing Etta James’s hit song “Steal Away” with a jazz band.
Tyler said Sanchez just nailed the song. “I loved it. That showed the other side of your voice.”
Lopez, for her part, thought Sanchez’s performance was “crazy,” calling her as one of the greatest female singers she has heard in a long time. Lopez also lauded Sanchez’s ability to “growl” while singing.
Jackson said he is glad that she can tap into James’ soulfulness even at a young age. Jackson also said she can actually sing anything.
“I love the whole vibe of that. The blues is so much soul so much heart in it. That’s what it’s all about. Your vocals are ridiculous. That girl can sing the phonebook. Amazing, again,” he said.
After Wednesday's performance show, national newspaper USA Today predicted Sanchez will make it to the "Idol" finale, while New York-based newspaper Newsday said her performance of the "Dreamgirls" may be game over for her competitors.
Only four competitors remain on "Idol" -- Sanchez, Ledet, Phillip Phillips and Hollie Cavanagh.
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