It may only be the first week of the finals on American Idol, but Latweena singing sensation Jessica Sanchez has already cemented her status as one of this season’s frontrunners.

In a “go big or go home” moment, the 16-year-old San Diego-native gave the night’s most pitch perfect performance on Wednesday’s show, covering Whitney Houston’s version of “I Will Always Love You.”

Dressed in a asymmetrical floor length dress in royal blue, Sanchez’s fluttered her fingers ever so gently on her handheld microphone while unleashing her power and vibrato on her cover of Houston’s iconic hit.

In the end, Sanchez received a standing ovation from the judges and the audience alike.

Jessica “just made 40 million people cry,” said judge Steven Tyler.

“Not only are you one of the best singers tonight — I think you’re one of the best singers in the whole competition!” announced Randy Jackson.

Tags: American Idol, FOX, I Will Always Love You, Jessica Sanchez, Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler, Whitney Houston

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