Fil-Mexican Jessica Sanchez poses for a photoshoot for "American Idol."

MANILA, Philippines – One of the top designers in the Philippines wants to dress up Jessica Sanchez, the Filipino-Mexican contestant in the American hit show “American Idol.”

Designer Rajo Laurel said he is a big fan of Sanchez and it would make him really happy if he could dress up the 16-year-old half-Filipina.

Several celebrities including Bianca Gonzalez, Anne Curtis, Lea Salonga and Angel Locsin helped retweet Laurel’s post on Twitter so it would reach Sanchez.

Laurel also sent a tweet to Soyon An, the design consultant for “American Idol.”

“Hi! @SoysFashion my name is @rajolaurel I am a HUGE fan of @JSanchezAI11 my wish is to dress her up. http://www.rajolaurel.com thank you,” he said.

To which Soyon An answered: “I like the collection. Direct message me. I also like your men’s collection! X.”

Laurel, who was overjoyed when he got a reply from Soyon An, was also in cloud nine when he got a tweet from Sanchez herself.

“Jumping up and down now! Trying not to scream for JOY as it is 220am here in Manila! Maraming Salamat po sa inyong lahat,” he said.

Sanchez told him it would be “cool” if Laurel could dress her up.

Meanwhile, Ben Chan, honcho of local clothing apparel Bench, also expressed his desire to get Sanchez as its endorser.

In his official Twitter account, Chan said: ” BENCH wants to get JESSICA SANCHEZ as its endorser. You are a Pinoy global talent.”

Sanchez is a self-confessed fashion enthusiast. She revealed in a lot of her tweets that shopping for clothes makes her feel better.

American fashion icon Tommy Hilfiger also said that Sanchez has “the ability to not only be a music icon but a fashion icon.”

Source: Abs-cbn News

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MANILA, Philippines – Former “American Idol” finalist Jasmine Trias, who has Filipino roots, gave advice to the latest Fil-Am to make waves in the reality singing contest.

Jasmine Trias. Photo courtesy of AmericanIdol.com

Having had her share of the “Idol” magic, Trias made known her admiration for Jessica Sanchez, a Filipina-Mexican who recently secured a spot in the show’s Top 8.

“She is already so talented. But because she is so young, she could kind of lose herself in all of it. So I would say, just keep grounded and stay close to your family, and stay true to yourself and continue doing a great job,” Trias said in an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN News.

Trias is, so far, the only Fil-Am contestant on “Idol” to have joined the show’s top 3 finalists. She achieved this feat during the show’s third season.

Now, Sanchez is poised to repeat history, with early predictions from “Idol” judges themselves that she will make it to the show’s final showdown.

Maturity

Aside from common roots, Trias and Sanchez were both only 16 years old when they joined the show.

However, Trias said that unlike her during her time on “Idol,” Sanchez exhibits a certain level of maturity.

“She has a maturity about her that when I think back to when I was on the show, I was very young and very innocent, wholesome, carefree,” she said.

“After ‘American Idol,’ that’s when I really kind of grew up and really experienced a lot of things. And just watching her (Sanchez) and considering how young she is – she has that maturity about her already which is amazing to see and very impressive. And I’m rooting for her, I really am. It’s always great to see a Fil-Am on ‘American idol.’” – Report from Bev Llorente, ABS-CBN North America Bureau

Source: Abs-cbn News

“I know how you feel, too, because I did that whole thing,” says the 29-year-old rapper in a personal message to the girls.

“Whhhhaaat?” and “Daaayum!” was how X Factor finalist Chris Rene reacted after seeing Jessica Sanchez and Elise Testone perform on American Idol during Whitney Houston week. Although brand-loyal to the show that launched his career, the 29-year-old Santa Cruz native was so impressed with the girls’ singing chops, he’s become a vocal fan and insisted THR pass along a video message.

STORY: ‘X Factor’: What the ‘American Idol’ Alums Think of Simon Cowell’s New Show 

Indeed, he came in third on X Factor‘s inaugural season, beating addiction and thousands of hopefuls for the coveted slot.

As for his own history with Simon Cowell‘s former stomping ground, Rene told The Hollywood Reporter last year that fellow Santa Cruzer and Idol season 10 finalist James Durbin was a main motivator for his own X Factor try-out. “I saw his picture in the paper and I’m like, ‘OK, Chris, step it up because this is what you’re born to do,’” said Rene in Nov. 2011. “That’s the whole reason I’m here now.”

ANALYSIS: ’The X Factor’ Vs. ‘American Idol:’ Who’s Leading the Battle for Talent Show Supremacy

And in another curious Idol-X Factor twist, Idol season 8 semifinalist Alex Lambert, who was eliminated one week shy of the Top 12 to loud and persistent protest by fans, is said to have co-written a song on Rene’s debut album, due out in late Spring or early Summer on Epic Records.

Source: Shirley Halperin – Hollywood Reporter

Jessica Sanchez

The runup to the finals of “American Idol” season 11 has become more interesting with the exceptional showing of Jessica Sanchez—who is by far, the most exciting singer of Filipino heritage to make it to the Top 10 of the highly popular TV talent search.

Last Thursday (Friday in Manila), the 16-year-old—eldest of three children of a Mexican-American Navy veteran and a Filipina from Bataan province—safely made it to the top eight with a ballad version of Beyonce’s 2008 technopop hit single, “Sweet Dreams.”

They want more

The performance left the show’s three judges raving. Again.

“I look forward to hearing you every night. I think you’re one of the best singers I’ve heard in many years. Unbelievable, sensational,” said Randy Jackson.

“You left all of us wanting more. That’s what great performers do. They leave you wanting more,” gushed Jennifer Lopez.

“I think you’re a star no matter what. You did it again tonight…You really know your notes,” declared Steven Tyler.

The judges have given Jessica four standing ovations since the Hollywood rounds began.

A video of Jessica’s performance was uploaded on the homepage of Beyonce’s official website.

A quick review of Jessica’s previous outings (highlights of which are compiled as “Jessica Sanchez American Idol Concert HD” on YouTube) explains why she seems poised to take it all the way to the contest finale.

Right from her audition piece, Carole King’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” Jessica had bowled the judges over.

At the show’s Las Vegas round, she stood out in a group performance of Buddy Holly’s “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore.”

In the Top 25 round, Jessica’s personal choice to sing Jennifer Hudson’s “Love You I Do” from the film “Dreamgirls” merited the only standing ovation that night from the judges.

Although she was criticized for her choice of Vicki Sue Robinson’s disco tune “Turn the Beat Around” in the Top 11 round with the judges commenting that she shone best in ballads—Jessica actually pulled through without much difficulty.

Indeed, the beauty of her voice has been manifested in slow songs, especially when she sang “The Prayer,” “I Will Always Love You” and “Everybody Has a Dream” in separate episodes. In those songs Jessica exhibited an uncanny ability to balance power and restraint—her tone and volume just right, her vibrato and falsetto never straying too far.

She won over Billy Joel fans by interpreting “Everybody Has a Dream,” an obscure gospel track from Joel’s 1977 album, “The Stranger.”

Fabulous losers

Even if her dream of becoming this year’s “American Idol” champion doesn’t come true, there’s a big chance that her young career will take off on its own—such as those of previous contestants Katharine McPhee, Adam Lambert and Jennifer Hudson, now winners in their own right.

Source: Pocholo Concepcion – Philippine Daily Inquirer

Jessica Sanchez singing Beyoncé‘s “Sweet Dreams” on “American Idol.” Guest mentor Stevie Nicks calls her “a good student,” says she understands suggestions and implements them properly.

Starts slow, in a beautiful dress; sings like a star, you hang on every note and don’t know what she’s going to show next. Just shaking my head; she could tour, now, complete with the big voice, attitude and stage presence.

Jennifer Lopez says if she were Beyoncé watching at home she’d copy this slowed-down version for her next concert, “leaves you wanting more.” Steven Tyler says, “I think you’re a star no matter what…. I liked how you held it back a little bit.”

Randy Jackson says, “You just inately have this unbelievable talent, I look forward to hearing you every night; I think you’re one of the best singers I’ve heard in many years.”

Finishes with “unbelievable, sensational.”

Source: Jamshid Mousavinezhad – News Day

Jessica Sanchez singing “Everybody Has a Dream” next on “American Idol.” Fashion mentor Tommy Hilfiger really likes her look, says she’s got “the ability to not only be a music icon, but a fashion icon.”

Guest mentor Diddy tells her in rehearsals she’s “oversinging the song,” and doesn’t believe in it the way she’s singing it.

“Pull back on the tricks, it won’t get you to the superstar level.”

He’s right; they get her to just sing it more simply.

And now it’s performance time…. My gosh, she’s back; is just letting it unspool, so beautiful to listen to her pure voice. Some tenderness there too, not trying to bowl us over. Such a rich tone on the chorus; reminds me of Jennifer Hudson a bit. Judges stand up to join the audience.

“You’ve gone way past my judging,” says Steven Tyler. “Thank you for letting me hear you sing, baby.”

“That was a defining song, that’s you,” says Jennifer Lopez. “Congratulations.”

“You have a moment every time you step up on that stage — it was flawless, it was perfect,” says Randy Jackson. He also praises Diddy, Jimmy Iovine and Hilfiger for giving her good advice.

Source: Jamshid Mousavinezhad – News day

Photo credit: Fox

For the most part, “American Idol” contestants eschewed bold color on Wednesday night, opting instead for neutral shades amped up with sequins for the girls.

Most fashionable again, was Jessica Sanchez, who looked long and lean in high-waisted sequin palazzo pants worn with a sheer, sleeveless lacy top.  Even though the judges weren’t keen on her performance they loved the pants.  “You wore just the right pants,” extolled Steven Tyler.  “You know I love those pants,” added Jennifer Lopez.

Erika Van Pelt looked, “the best you’ve looked,” said Lopez commenting on the contestant’s slimmed down silhouette: a boho lacy top with a smattering of sequins and wide-belled sleeves and skinny leather jeggings. “You look amazing,” said Lopez adding that looks are part of the whole package.

For her torchy version of “Let’s Stay Together,” Elise Testone did a black gown with a plunging neckline and a really quirky hemline that featured a short embellished side skirt — a little weird — though she looked so much better than last week.

Shannon Magrane wore an allover sequin short suit in flesh tones with silver.  This would have been much better if she broke it up and didn’t wear the sheer, black stockings with it.  The statuesque girl opted for flat shoes that vertically challenged host, Ryan Seacrest was grateful for. “Thanks for wearing flats tonight,” he said to the girl, who still towered above him and patted him on the head.

It was full-on glamour for Hollie Cavanagh whose nude and sequin gown fit her well, but seemed a tad too grown up.

We can’t wait for image adviser Tommy Hilfiger (who makes his first appearance Thursday night) to get his hands on country singer Skylar Laine who improved on last week’s look in a beige top printed with sequin dappled feathers, dark skinny pants and stiletto boots though still the proportion missed.

The only guy who wore a vibrant shade was Heejun Han — who donned a bright raspberry shirt under his three-piece suit and bow tie that reminded of Good & Plenty candy.  His lensless glasses had yellow arms.

Joshua Ledet strip-teased off his white tuxedo jacket with black lapels accessorized with a red flower boutonniere to reveal a dark blue button-down worn with dress pants.  Randy Jackson sported a flower pin, too — a white carnation — and even tweeted about it, “How’s my pin look tonight?” he wrote.

The rest of the fellows nixed color completely. Deandre Brackensick did a wrinkly white linen suit with a shrunken jacket over a black sweater and striped shirt.  It was a full-on hair night for him. Rocker boy Colton Dixon did Rock Star 101 in a leather vest, black shirt and super skinny pants with short boots.  Jackson called the vest, “fly,” and said, “I’d wear it.”

As for Phillip Phillips in drab olive button down and nondescript pants – well he lacks artifice of any kind, and we kind of appreciate that. It would be strange to see him gussied up — it’s just not him.

Lopez likely didn’t get the no-color memo. Her slither of a tangerine frock by Roland Mouret, paired with Giuseppe Zanotti shoes, popped and showed off every curve.

Fox Photo. Jessica Sanchez performs “Turn the Beat Around” from 1995, the year she was born, in front of the judges on “American Idol” airing Wednesday. (March 14, 2012)

Source: Anne Bratskeir – News day

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