Talk about showing American Idol’s new crop of finalists how it’s done…

Jessica Sanchez, last season’s runner-up, returned to Fox’s reality singing competition to perform the first track from her upcoming debut album.

Dressed in a sparkly silver midriff-exposing top, baggy pants and silver, high-heeled high tops, the 17-year-old half-Mexican singer took the stage to sing “Tonight,” her poptastic collaboration with R&B star Ne-Yo.

It’s hard to believe Sanchez was competing on Idol just a year ago after her seasoned pro-like performance on Thursday night’s results show. She strutted her stuff across the stage with confidence, showed her Jennifer Lopez-like sass in front of a wind machine and even busted a move with her backup dancers.

Following her performance, which earned a standing ovation from Keith Urban, Nicki Minaj and Randy Jackson, Sanchez confirmed to Idol host Ryan Seacrest that she’s having the time of her life.

Sanchez’s new track is available for download on iTunes. Her debut album Me, You & the Music will be released on April 30.