FINALS / SHE IS IN TOP 6
LOS ANGELES, APRIL 21, 2012 (INQUIRER) By: Nimfa U. Rueda -
Filipino-American nurse Lydia Agulto took the day off Thursday and camped out in
front of CBS studios under the hot afternoon sun to show support for "American
Idol" hopeful Jessica Sanchez (photo).
"I skipped work, drove more than two hours and battled traffic to get here,"
said Agulto, who joined the "Rally for Jessica Sanchez," a campaign to garner
more support for the Filipino-Mexican "Idol" bet who was nearly sent home after
getting the lowest votes in the US-based reality singing competition last week.
"Jessica deserves to win."
Rally organizer Rembrandt Sabelis said he hopes Sanchez gets enough Fil-Am
votes to keep her in the competition.
"We have to remember that 'American Idol' is a popularity contest," said
Sabelis, director-producer of a newly launched LA-based Fil-Am TV station. "What
ends up happening is everybody expects the votes for Jessica to come in, but
they won't take the time to vote. We saw that last week."
Sabelis said that while only a small crowd gathered to show support for
Sanchez, being a working day, their message reached tens of thousands via the
social media. "Rock the vote; Show your Filipino pride," said the rally
invitation widely circulated on Facebook.
"Whether it's a small gathering or large gathering, it's getting the word
out," Sabelis said.
Sabelis added that the Fil-Am community needs to support not just Sanchez but
all Fil-Ams aspiring to break into the entertainment industry.
"It's a shame that Asian-Americans make up only 3 percent of the artists in
Hollywood," he said. "I know we have a lot more talented people than just 3
percent."
"It's time for Fil-Ams to come out of the shadows and be seen and heard,"
said Adrian Lecaros, another rally participant.
Sanchez, a top favorite on "American Idol" season 11, remained in the
competition after the judges intervened and used their "save" option last week.
Agulto is a proud resident of Chula Vista in San Diego County, Sanchez's
hometown. She said her husband hails from Bataan province, which also happens to
be the home province of Sanchez's mother Editha.
Agulto, her two sons and several Fil-Am fans of the 16-year-old singer waved
"Vote for Jessica" signs in front of the studios a few hours before the popular
show was aired Thursday.
Judges rave
This week's episode, which had the theme "Now and Then," had the contestants
singing two songs—one Billboard chart-topper from the year 2000 up to the
present and a classic soul tune.
Sanchez's rendition of Alicia Keys' Grammy-winning song "Fallin'" and Otis
Redding's "Try a Little Tenderness" earned raves from the judges.
"You don't really know how good you really are … I hope America shows up and
votes for you this week," said Randy Jackson.
"With a talent like yours, you have a right to get mad at a song," said
Steven Tyler.
"You're just a little baby. I'm glad we had a save and used it on you," said
Jennifer Lopez.
The scare of last week's near-elimination of Sanchez prompted an outpouring
of support for the youngest "Idol" contestant online.
Sanchez used the social networking site Twitter to ask her fans to vote for
her.
Sanchez's plea
"Please, please vote! I don't know what's gonna happen tomorrow. Every single
vote counts! Thank you loves," Sanchez tweeted Thursday.
"I hope my performances were enough tonight," added Sanchez, using the
Twitter handle @JSanchezAI11.
Twitter and Facebook users in the Philippines followed Sanchez's lead and
urged their followers to vote for her.
Television host Kat de Castro tweeted: "To all my family and friends in the
US, please vote for Jessica Sanchez."
"America, vote for Jessica Sanchez," posted actress-TV host Ruffa Gutierrez,
followed by details on how to vote.
On Facebook, more than five "Vote for Jessica" pages were created.
One page, "Save the Best—Save our own—Save Jessica Sanchez," which was
created this month, has over 3,000 likes.
International celebs
International celebrities also expressed their awe of Sanchez on Twitter.
"Idol" alumnus Adam Lambert posted: "Jessica Sanchez better sing. Jeeeeeez.
That first run was nuts," including a hashtag #futurepopmegastar.
"Jessica Sanchez & Skylar Laine are my fave ladies #AmericanIdol. Yall
betta werkkk," tweeted actress Gabrielle Union.
Singer Jesse McCartney was very vocal of his admiration. He tweeted: "Wow!
She's a 16-year-old version of Jennifer Hudson. Who's watching this? Somebody
tell her I want a duet."
'Season's best'
"Jessica Sanchez is, hands down, the best of this season," said Lisa Moody,
FilAm TV general manager, who also helped organize the rally. "She has come a
long way and deserves to be recognized as the best."
"Last week, when she was voted off, it struck a raw nerve. Could the best be
eliminated because of her Asian and Mexican ethnicity? Sad thought, but it can
very well be a reality," Moody added.
On the same day, Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox urged the city's residents to
support Sanchez, according to Fox5 Online News.
"Jessica is an amazingly talented young woman. Her poise, professionalism and
stunning voice defies her young age. I am very proud she is not only
representing Chula Vista but San Diego County and the entire West Coast," Cox
said.
"The time to support her is now. I encourage everyone to put signs of support
on your car or in your business, or in your living room windows, host a viewing
party, but most importantly, vote for our hometown favorite," Cox added. With a report from Inquirer Research
Jessica Sanchez in top 6 of American Idol
INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Filipino-Mexican Jessica Sanchez has made it to American
Idol's top 6 after surviving this week's elimination.
The show, aired live on cable television channel StarWorld, saw Colton Dixon
booted out. In the bottom three with Dixon were Elise Testone and Hollie
Cavanagh.
Singing Alicia Keys' "Fallin'" and Otis Redding's classic "Try A Little
Tenderness," Sanchez got the nod of the three judges.
Jennifer Lopez said "I'm so glad you're here with us. I'm so glad we had a
save and I'm so glad we used it on you."
Chief News Editor: Sol
Jose Vanzi
© Copyright, 2012 by PHILIPPINE
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