Tag Archives: Randy Jackson

Sanchez Delivers Yet Another Standout Whitney Cover…

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It’s quite rare for an American Idol finalist to perform one Whitney Houston song masterfully, let alone two. But that’s exactly what Jessica Sanchez has done this season…

During last night ’80s Night-themed performance show, the 16-year-old part-Mexican singer mastered her second Whitney song.

Jessica Sanchez

The pint-sized singer, who hails from San Diego, proved she isn’t only a balladeer by covering Houston’s uptempo “How Will I Know.” And, once again Sanchez—rocking an ‘80s-inspired cropped jacket, side ponytail and skinny jeans—nailed her performance and garnered an A-plus from the judges for her effortlessly pitch-perfect effort.

During rehearsals, guest mentor Gwen Stefani called Jessica’s voice “shockingly good” and added “it’s crazy how young she is.” Following her performance, judge Jennifer Lopez concurred.

“You’re such a little girl, but there’s, like, this woman up there at the same time,” mused Lopez.

In addition to singing solo, Sanchez joined voices with fellow finalist Joshua Ledet to perform Aretha Franklin and George Michael‘s “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me).” And, the perfectly paired duo didn’t disappoint; they out-grooved the rest of their competitors.

“This is one of the greatest performances I’ve ever seen on the show,” Randy Jackson declared, uttering his latest catchphrase: “They’ve gotta have it!”

Sanchez Shines Bright on Beyonce’s “Sweet Dreams”

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After demonstrating her vocal prowess on Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You,” it’s no surprise that Jessica Sanchez has successfully taken on Beyonce.

Jessica Sanchez

Looking all Sasha Fierce with her slicked-back hair, statement necklace and silver and black mini-dress complete with long train, the 16-year-old part-Mexican American Idol finalist showed America why she’s considered a frontrunner by performing a slowed-down version of Beyonce’s hit “Sweet Dreams.”

And Idol’s judges couldn’t help but applaud Sanchez’s reimagining of the song, which included a harptastic intro.

“It was really, really beautiful,” gushed Jennifer Lopez, who complimented Sanchez for holding back when she could’ve easily belted her signature high notes. “You left us wanting more!” Steven Tyler called it “delicious” and “beautiful,” while Randy Jackson talked about the 16-year-old’s impressive maturity, saying “You just innately have this unbelievable talent.”

Moments later, Sanchez returned to the stage to perform a Madonna medley with fellow finalists Hollie Cavanagh and Skylar Laine. Wearing a white tuxedo with black piping and black top, Jessica kicked off the performance with “Like a Prayer” and assisted the ladies on their renditions of “Borderline” and “Express Yourself.”

Sanchez Has a “Defining Moment” on American Idol

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Everybody has a dream… And, American Idol finalist Jessica Sanchez continues making an impression in her quest to make her singing dreams a reality.

During Wednesday night’s episode of Fox’s hit singing competition, which featured the finalists singing the music of Billy Joel, the 16-year-old San Diego-native continued to shine above the rest of her competitors with her performance of Joel’s little known “Everybody Has a Dream.”

Jessica Sanchez

In the video of her rehearsals leading up to her performance, this week’s mentor P. Diddy said he didn’t believe Sanchez’s delivery of the song. But once he got her to “respect the song,” he admitted that Sanchez really does have all the makings of a superstar.

She then went on to give the most controlled yet soaring vocal of the night. And, she earned a well-deserved standing ovation from the judges and the audience.

“You are flawless and perfect, excellent mentoring, that was perfection,” Randy Jackson commented. Steven Tyler said, “When God was giving out vocal chords, you were so at the beginning of the line,” while Jennifer Lopez called it “a defining moment” for her. Jackson then added, “You have a moment every time you step on that stage. That was professional.”

Sanchez Covers Whitney’s “I Will Always Love You”

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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.”

Jessica Sanchez

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.