Jessica Sanchez, American Idol Contestant Wows With "I Will Always Love You" (VIDEO)
Jessica Sanchez took American Idol fans by storm by singing her rendition of Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You." Judge Steven Tyler commented that she "may be the one."
It appeared obvious after Sanchez had completed her number that something had struck the crowd. As soon as the camera switched angles from her to the audience, a standing ovation was quickly revealed along with high pitched cheers and teary eyes judges. "This is one of the hardest songs in the world to sings," judge Randy Jackson said. "You are not only one of the best vocals of the night, I think you're one of the best singers in this whole competition."
Sanchez is Philippine-Mexican and only 16-years-old. The San Diego high school student proved modest, giving a smile of surprise at the judge's reactions and telling Jennifer Lopez that she was shaking. "I think you're even surprised at yourself," Lopez remarked.
"You just made 40 million people cry," Tyler said suggesting that she "may be the one."
Viewers appeared to be equally as impressed. "Competition is over. Jessica just won last night with this over the top performance. Her last three notes gave me goosebumps. What a beautiful voice!!" modelaford wrote on the Huffington Post blog.
"How could anyone on the show compete with THAT? Amazing," aceshigh11 stated.
"Exactly. None of them sound even half as good as she does," NextStopWonder wrote.
GCurry went one further. "That girl sounded like she was channeling Whitney Houston," the user remarked.
Others who impressed judges Joshua Ledet, 19, with his version of "I Wish"; Hollie Cavanaugh, 18 with "All the Man I Need," and Colton Dixon, 20, "Lately."
Phillip Phillips landed the misfortune of having to perform "Superstition" directly after Sanchez. Although the crowd still offered up support for him and other contestants, it seemed clear that Sanchez had taken the night.