It looks like there’s no stopping Jessica Sanchez…
Once again, the petite 16-year-old part-Mexican American Idol finalist with the gigantic voice showed her maturity and sheer talent during last night’s songs-from-2010-and-beyond-themed show.
During her rehearsal of the song she’d tackle this week—Jazmine Sullivan’s “Stuttering”—music executive/producer and mentor Jimmy Iovine couldn’t help but marvel at Sanchez’s singing chops.
“That voice can move anything,” declared Iovine of the pint-sized singer who has already wowed America with her interpretations of songs like Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You”, Beyonce’s “Sweet Dreams” and Billy Joel’s “Everybody Has a Dream.” “She’s got soul, power, finesse. She is unbelievable with that voice!”
Meanwhile, guest judge Akon commented on Sanchez’s maturing, telling her “You’ve got so much control for that age!”
And, when it came time to take the stage, Sanchez didn’t disappoint…
Sitting atop a piano in a shimmering metallic dress, black leggings and black knee-high boots, the San Diego native delivered a moving interpretation of Sullivan’s rare track.
“That was superb, I mean that was like at the highest degree,” decreed AI judge Randy Jackson. “You did an amazing job!”
Meanwhile, Jennifer Lopez gushed about how beautifully Sanchez performed the song and encouraged her to take the American Idol audience and viewers at home on a journey every week.
“You have an amazing opportunity to take this audience… on a ride” said Lopez. “Take us on the ride every week; you can show us something we’ve never seen!”
Later, Sanchez returned to the stage wearing a shoulderless white blouse and pants with pink piping to perform an energetic rendition of Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger” as a trio with fellow finalists Joshua Ledet and Hollie Cavanagh.
