‘Unbelievable’ talent: Jessica Sanchez again gets positive reviews on ‘Idol’

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Sanchez sings "Proud Mary" to mixed (mostly positive) reviews from judges

"American Idol" finalist Jessica Sanchez performing Ike and Tina Turner's "Proud Mary," May 2, 2012.

MANILA, Philippines – “American Idol” hopeful Jessica Sanchez once again showed she deserved the judges’ save on Wednesday, May 2, giving two positively reviewed performances as she battles her way to the top 4.

With the “60s night” theme for the first part of the show, Sanchez first rocked the house with her rendition of the hit “Proud Mary” by Ike and Tina Turner.

She was first dissuaded by guest mentor “Little Steven” Van Sant, Bruce Springsteen’s guitarist, but he was persuaded when Jessica sang it during rehearsal.

The singer tried to channel her inner Tina Turner, and the judges saw mixed – but mostly positive – results.

“You’re so grown-up there, it’s crazy!” exclaims Jennifer Lopez, adding she was “a little bit of Tina, a little bit of Beyonce – I love seeing you move.”

Steven Tyler, meanwhile, said he liked how the blues came out of the 16-year-old’s performance. “The only thing that gives experience a run for its money is a 16-year-old,” he said.

However, veteran judge Randy Jackson said the performance was “barely okay,” saying she took on “probably the biggest dragon of the night,” but it did not live up to his expectations.

This made Lopez defend the FIlipino-Mexican-American, saying that Jackson should not compare the young performer with the legend that is Turner.

For the second part of the show, the theme was British hit songs. Sanchez, along with fellow top 5 finalists Hollie Cavanagh and Skylar Laine first sang Jackie Wilson’s “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher.”

Lopez said it was a treat seeing the 3 remaining girls perform together, while Jackson said the ladies did a “very nice job” with their performance.

‘Unbelievable’ talent

For her second solo performance, Sanchez took on “You Are So Beautiful,” originally by Joe Cocker, and her performance got rave reviews from the judges.

“You’re going to be number 1, girl,” Tyler said, saying she just showed America how beautiful her voice is.

Lopez chimed in, saying, “how could we have let this girl go home?,” recalling her elimination, which was only stopped by the judges’ save.

She also reminded the audience of Sanchez’s goosebumps-inducing performance of the Whitney Houston hit “I Will Always Love You.”

The pop star added the teen diva “captivated the whole audience.”

Finally, Jackson only had praises for her “wisdom and talent as a singer.”

“It’s so pro, people who have been singing 50 years can’t do this. You talent level is unbelievable,” he said.

Jackson then said she’s “in the top of the leaderboard right now” with her latest song.

The performances by the other top 5 finalists were:

  • Hollie Cavanagh – River Deep, Mountain High (Ike and Tina Turner); Bleeding Love (Leona Lewis)
  • Phillip Phillips – The Letter (Box Tops); Time of the Season (The Zombies)
  • Skylar Laine – Fortunate Son (Eddie Floyd); You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me (Dusty Springfield)
  • Joshua Ledet – Ain’t Too Proud to Beg (The Temptations); To Love Somebody (The Bee Gees)

Ledet and Phillips also did a duet of “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” originally by The Righteous Brothers. 

Click on the links below to read about Jessica’s journey on American Idol.

– Rappler.com

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