New American Idol judge is Mariah Carey

American Idol added singer Mariah Carey in its panel of judges for the upcoming Season 12.

Fox Network confirmed the entry of one of music’s best-selling artist on Monday in a meeting of Television Critics Association. Carey was elated to join America’s most singing show.

“I am so excited to be joining ‘American Idol,’” she said. “This kind of all just happened really quickly.”

The show needed 42-year-old diva’s star power after the rival X-factor added Britney Spears and Demi Lovato to its roster. The negotiation was quickly done because Idol judge Randy Jackson is Carey’s manager. And with that, the remaining original judge is seen to be sticking with the show.

Idol has slot for another judge, after pop star Jennifer Lopez and rocker Steven Tyler resigned from the show after two seasons.

VIRAL: Little Girl Cries Over Jessica Sanchez loss on American Idol!

Laney, an American girl, cried when Jessica Sanchez who was obviously her favorite contestant didn’t win American Idol 11.
She’s so affected when the name of Phillip Phillips was declared as the winner that she couldn’t help but cry.

You could even hear the sound of the television in the background with Phillip singing Home right after his win.



The crying girl was recorded on video by her mom and immediately uploaded it on YouTube, with a description that says: “This is our daughter after the results for American Idol 2012 when Philip Philips won.”

American Idol 2012 Top 3 Perform, Jessica Sanchez Sings Hits From Mariah Carey, Jackson 5 and Aerosmith

American Idol 2012 top 3 finalists Jessica Sanchez, Joshua Ledet and Phillip Phillips on Wednesday, May 16, were asked to perform three songs: the judges’ choice, Jimmy Lovine’s choice and their respective choices.

The 16-year-old Filipina-Mexican sang Mariah Carey’s “My All,” which was picked by Idol judge Jennifer Lopez [watch]; Jackson 5’s “Ill Be There,” resident mentor Jimmy Iovine’s choice [watch]; and Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing,” her own preference [watch].

Meanwhile, Joshua rendered Etta James’ “I’d Rather Go Blind,” which Randy Jackson wanted him to sing; Mary J. Blige’s “No More Drama,” picked by Jimmy; and John Lennon’s “Imagine,” which he himself chose.

Phillip Phillips, on the other hand, performed “Beggin’” by The Four Seasons, chosen by Steven Tyler; “We’ve Got Tonight” by Bob Seger, Jimmy’s pick; and his own version of Matchbox 20’s “Disease.”

Video of Jessica’s performances have been embedded. Just click the links above to watch.

Jessica Sanchez “I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing” - American Idol 2012 [Video]

Jessica Sanchez sang her personal choice, Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing, during the American Idol Season 11 top 3 performance night on Wednesday, May 16, 2012.

Here’s the video:

Jessica Sanchez “My All” (Video)

American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez picked Mariah Carey’s “My All” for Jessica Sanchez. Despite a throat problem, the Filipina-Mexican singer did well during the show’s performance night.

Click the image to watch the video on YouTube:

Video: Jessica Sanchez “I’ll Be There”

Relive the music of the Jackson 5 in this rendition by Jessica Sanchez of the legendary group’s hit “Ill Be There” which AI mentor Jimmy Lovine chose for her to perform.

Watch this video:

Jessica Sanches is now part of American Idol 2012 Top 3

Jessica Sanches Top 3 Performance

Coming on the heels of her fourth standing ovation from the American Idol judges, Filipino-Mexican singer Jessica Sanchez sailed through to the next round of the competition on Friday (Manila time) and is now among the Top 3 finalists.

Idol host Ryan Seacrest announced that 70 million votes were cast to select the three finalists.Unfortunately, Hollie Cavanagh was eliminated after failing to get enough votes to get her to the next round.

Filipinos have been rooting for Sanchez to be the first singer with Philippine heritage to win the hit reality TV show. Other Filipino-American singers who successfully joined the competition include Thia Megia (2011, Top 11), Ramiele Malubay (2007, Top 7), Camile Velasco (Top 9, 2004) and Jasmine Trias (Top 3, 2004).
Watch Jessica Sanchez's FULL PERFORMANCE of 'And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going' with the Idol judges' comments:

American Idol 2012 Top 4 Gears Up for California Dreamin' Theme this May 9

American Idol 2012 Top 4 will be returning to the Idol stage this May 9 for a California Dreamin' themed performance show. Your American Idol Season 11 Top 4 - Joshua Ledet, Phillip Phillips, Jessica Sanchez and Hollie Cavanagh will step it up to sing for your votes now that the finale is just 2 weeks away.

American Idol Season 11 Top 4 -
Phillip Phillips, Hollie Cavanagh, Joshua Ledet and Jessica Sanchez

On May 9, the American Idol 2012 Top 4 will again sing 2 songs, one from bands or singers from California (California Dreamin' theme) and one song the idol hopefuls wish they had written (Songs I Wish I Had Written).

On the live results show the following night, May 10, another American Idol alumnus will fire up the Idol stage. This time, Season 7 American Idol winner David Cook will be returning to sing his brand new single, The Last Song I'll Write For You.

American Idol judge and global superstar Jennifer Lopez is also set to perform her new hit song, Dance Again, the video of which premiered last April 5 on American Idol results show.

Watch Jennifer Lopez' Dance Again music video below:

With only three performance shows left, the competition gets more exciting. Don't miss the California Dreamin'-themed performance show on May 9 and the live results show on May 10 as we finally welcome the top 3 American Idol Season 11 finalists who will return to their hometown to see their family, friends and fans.

Also watch out for the American Idol 2012 Live! Tour this summer. Your American Idol Season 11 Top 10 will perform in cities near you starting this July until September.

Photo courtesy of Americanidolnet.com

American Idol 2012 Top 4: Jessica Sanchez Makes It

Filipina-American-Mexican singer Jessica Sanchez has been named as one of the American Idol Season 11 Top 4 finalists during the show’s results night on Thursday, May 3, 2012.

Congratulations!

A few more steps to the top. Aim for it Jessica. We are behind you.

Meanwhile, Phillip Phillips and Joshua Ledet were also both safe. Hollie Cavanagh and Skylar Laine slid to the bottom two, but the latter was eventually eliminated from the competition.

American Idol: Jessica Sanchez “You Are So Beautiful” (Video)

Jessica Sanchez sang Billy Preston’s “You Are So Beautiful” during the American Idol Season 11 Top 5 performance night on Wednesday, May 2, 2012.

Here’s the video:

Jessica Sanchez “Proud Mary” (American Idol 2012 Top 5)

In this video, Flipina-American-Mexican singer Jessica Sanchez rendered her version of Ike and Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary” on Wednesday night, May 2, 2012.

Netizens say the 16-year-old American Idol 2012 Top 5 finalist deserved a standing ovation for her performance.

Watch this video:

Jessica Sanchez is safe, in the Top 5 of American Idol 2012

Jessica Sanchez made it to American Idol Season 11 Top 5 after singing Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody and Luther Vandross’ Dance With My Father Again last night.

It’s another elimination night for six remaining American Idol finalists with each one hoping that America loved their performances in “Queen Night.”

Jessica Sanchez and Elise Testone were the first batch to be called, and yes Jessica was safe and Elise headed to the bottom 3. Then followed Joshua Ledet and Hollie Cavanagh, with Joshua safe too.

Then Skylar Laine and Phillip Phillips were called with Skylar landing on the bottom 3. But she was declared safe too moments later, leaving Elise and Hollie on the danger zone.

And finally, it was Elise who’s out of American Idol 2012. So here are your Top 5:

American Idol 2012 Top 5

• Jessica Sanchez
• Joshua Ledet
• Phillip Phillips
• Skylar Laine
• Hollie Cavanagh

Tonight’s guest performers were pop star Katy Perry who performed ‘Part of Me’ and Idol finalist Stefano Langone who sang ‘I’m On a Roll.’

Jessica Sanchez sings “Fallin’” and “Try a Little Tenderness”

American Idol top seven finalists were told to sing two songs during their round 2 performance night on Wednesday, April 18, 2012.

The contestants were asked to perform a number one hit from 2000-2012 off the billboard charts and a soul classic from a previous decade.

Filipina-American-Mexican singer Jessica Sanchez picked Alicia Keys’ “Fallin’” and “Try a Little Tenderness” by the Ray Noble Orchestra.

Idol judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler were cold on Jessica. Unlike the previous weeks, they did not give her a standing ovation and were just thankful that they saved her from last week’s elimination.

After her performance, netizens and bloggers immediately posted feedback online, saying the 16-year-old singer should render songs familiar to the audience so she can get more votes.

Last week, Jessica got the least votes but was saved by the judges. This week, it would be very risky for Jessica to fall to the bottom 3 again because two finalists will be voted off during the results show on Thursday, April 19.

Video: Jessica Sanchez "Stuttering" (April 11, 2012)

No standing ovation, but Jessica Sanchez proved that she’s better than everyone else in the American Idol Season 11 Top 7 list. She gave justice to the Jazmine Sullivan hit “Stuttering” during the performance night on Wednesday, March 11, 2012.

The top seven, who were mentored by RnB artist Akon the past week, were told to perform songs from the 2010s.

Here’s a video of Jessica Sanchez singing “Stuttering”:

Jessica Sanchez Hopes A Female Wins American Idol 2012

Jessica Sanchez, one of the top 8 finalists in the globally popular singing competition American Idol 2012, had said she hopes the winner this year would be a female.

Jessica Sanchez on American Idol Season11

With humility, Jessica was qouted in an ABS-CBN News report as saying, “I hope that a female wins this year. If not me then one of the other girls. But everybody here has been amazing so I really don’t know.’

Male contestants have dominated the show in the past seasons, but this is probably the first time that industry observers, bloggers, Idol fans and even judge Randy Jackson see the 16-year-old singer as among those who will reach the grand finale.

Jessica is so far the strongest contender. If she can keep that consistency and continue to make her performances even better towards the finals, why not?

Jessica Sanchez to sing personal idol’s song in Top 9 performance night

American Idol Season 11 standout Jessica Sanchez will be singing a song from her personal idol this Wednesday. It’s exciting to know who Jessica’s own idol is and what song would it be.


The 16-year-old Filipina-American-Mexican singer belongs to the Hip Hop/R&B/Soul genres so its possible that she will sing a hit from Beyonce or Mariah Carey.

We will surely know it before the Top 9 performance night on March 28. This week, the finalists are being mentored by singer-songwriter and musician Stevie Nicks.

Check out the press release from Fox:

Erika Van Pelt was eliminated tonight on AMERICAN IDOL after she received the fewest votes among the finalists. On tonight’s results show, Lana Del Rey performed her smash hit “Video Games” and Season 10 alum Haley Reinhart returned to the IDOL stage to debut her new single, “Free.”

Next week, on Wednesday, March 28 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), the Top Nine – DeAndre Brackensick, Hollie Cavanagh, Colton Dixon, Heejun Han, Skylar Laine, Joshua Ledet, Phillip Phillips, Jessica Sanchez and Elise Testone – return to the IDOL stage to sings songs from their own Idols.

Tune in the following night, Thursday, March 29 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) to the live results show to find out which of the Top Nine finalists is sent home. In addition, Nicki Minaj will take the stage and perform her megahit “Starships” and Season 10 IDOL winner and platinum-selling country artist Scotty McCreery will return to perform his newest single, “Water Tower Town.”

Become a fan of AMERICAN IDOL on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AmericanIdol. Follow the series on Twitter @AmericanIdol and join the discussion at #Idol. Also, follow host Ryan Seacrest at @RyanSeacrest, and follow the judges: @yo_randyjackson; @JLo; and @iamstevent.

AMERICAN IDOL is produced by 19 Entertainment, a division of CKX, Inc. and FremantleMedia North America, Inc. The series is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, CEO, XIX Entertainment, and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; and Nigel Lythgoe, CEO, Nigel Lythgoe Productions.

American Idol: Jessica has a new fan in Billy Joel

American Idol finalist Jessica Sanchez did not only receive a standing ovation from the judges and audience following her stellar performance Wednesday, she also gained a new fan in Billy Joel.


The show’s host, Ryan Seacrest, reportedly mentioned that the singer-songwriter-composer, who originally sang “Everybody Has A Dream,” liked Jessica’s rendition of the song.

The Fil-Am singer in an interview said she is thankful for all the appreciation, prayers and support. The 16-year-old standout added that she is greatly honored to have entered the American Idol Top 9.

She said her family, specially her Filipina mom, gives her inspiration and she wants them to be happy all the time.

Jessica revealed that she plans to make an album after the competition, whatever the outcome would be.

American Idol 2012 Top 10 Finalists Announced

American Idol Season 11 on Thursday, March 15, 2012 announced the names of finalists who were able to make it to the Top 10 list. Fil-Am singer Jessica Sanchez is in!


American Idol 2012 Top 10 finalists:

1. Phillip Phillips
2. Jessica Sanchez
3. Heejun Han
4. Elise Testone
5. Deandre Brackensick
6. Colton Dixon
7. Erika Van Pelt
8. Skylar Laine
9. Joshua Ledet
10. Hollie Cavanagh

On Wednesday’ performance night, the Top 11, mentored by Black Eyed Peas’ Will.I.Am, were asked to sing hits from the “year they were born.”

After the voting process, Erika Van Pelt and Shannon Magrane fell to the bottom 2 spots. The latter was announced as the eliminated contestant at the end of the show.

You may wonder why the list suddenly skipped from Top 12 to Top 10? Well, the reason was that a Top 12 finalist, Jermaine Jones, was disqualified prior to the Wednesday performance show reportedly due to his “hidden criminal past” (active criminal record).

Jessica Sanchez Makes It To American Idol Top 12

Jessica Sanchez made it to American Idol Top 12! No doubt about it as she wowed the audience and even received another standing ovation from the judges for her stellar performance Wednesday night.


At the results show on Thursday evening, the Filipina-American-Mexican singer was called as one of those who got the most votes and thus safe from elimination.

Hollie Cavanagh, Skyler Laine, Colton Dixon, Heejun Han, Phillip Phillips, and DeAndre Brackensick joined Jessica in the safe zone.

Erika Van Pelt, Shannon Magrane, Jermaine Jones, and Joshua Ledet were among the bottom six.

Jeremy Rosado and Elise Testone placed right at the bottom spots. Idol judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, however, decided to save Elise and therefore it was the end of the road for Jeremy.

Congratulations to Jessica! It’s a long way to go but your fans believe that you’re going to reach the top.

Video: Jessica Sanchez Sings 'I Will Always Love You' on American Idol

Once again, it’s Filipino-American-Mexican singer Jessica Sanchez’ shining moment as she sings the Whitney Houston hit “I Will Always Love You” on American Idol Season 11 on Wednesday, March 7, 2012.



She nailed it! Watch the video: