It’s Jessica Sanchez vs Phil Phillips on American Idol Grand Finals

And so the news breaks out, Joshua Ledet goes home causing most Filipinos to celebrate Jessica Sanchez‘ latest victory on American Idol where she gets a chance to go head-to-head with Phillip Phillips next week for the grand finale of American Idol 2012. This is an achievement, not just for the 16-year old AI hopeful, but somehow, for the Philippines who has seen quite a number of Filipino hopefuls joining the reality singing competition but was relatively unsuccessful. The most successful attempt was that of Jasmine Trias, until now!

Trias was the 3rd finalist in the American Idol Season 3 search and went on to have a singing career of her own. She even visited the country sometime back. But after her bid, the rest who followed suit were not equally successful. The names Camille Velasco, Ramielle Malubay and last year’s Thia Megia comes to mind, plus the rest of the other hopefuls who did not make it even to the top 24. Jessica’s achievement is worth noting!

Week-to-week she showed her singing prowess with her powerful voice — a style that is typical in the singing competitions here in the country. I was initially worried that she’ll get voted off recalling last year’s Pia Toscano, who has an equally powerful voice, getting chopped off early in the game. Well, she almost took that path; she was just fortunate that the judges still have the power in their hands to save her from ultimate elimination. Is it a coincidence or fate?

Is she destined to become the very first Filipino American Idol winner? Next week, she’ll be singing her butt off once again against Phil who, I feel is getting stronger. Last night as I watch the encore telecast of the top 3 performances, I felt that the only female contender lacked the connection with the audience. I did not see the moment that Idol judge Randy Jackson was looking for. No doubt she can sing, alright. But the audience needs to feel her. I feel that the two male hopefuls had those moments; I even think that Phil could win this thing.

Why? He’s unique, for one thing. Second, he’s really the singer-songwriter type. Last night, he showed versatility and maturity when he sang “We Got Tonight”. Jessica had her moments through the entire competition, but it’s not consistent. Meanwhile, Joshua’s style is the same whatever genre he’s singing. That must be the reason why he got the lowest vote. I love his voice and the fact that he has a church background. I must say that I enjoyed his rendition of the Mary J. Blidge original “No More Drama” last night. But the problem is, he can’t sing a song without those vocal acrobats; something that Jessica tried to control in some of her performances, like the breathtaking “You Are so Beautiful”.

If the trend continues, we might see a guy winning the competition once again. In my previous blog, I discussed why Jessica Sanchez might not win. I just hope that she’d perform songs that would showcase, not only her powerful singing but also her ability to connect. For now, let’s celebrate her achievement. I look forward to watching the American Idol final round next week.

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