MANILA, Philippines – The Americans have spoken (or voted). Phillip Phillips is their new Idol.
ELEVENTH “IDOL.” Winner Phillip Phillips performs onstage during Fox’s “American Idol 2012″ results show at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on May 23, 2012 in Los Angeles, California.
But Jessica Sanchez, who has Filipino and Latino roots, is the world’s idol, according to netizens who took to social media to express awe of the 16-year-old’s power vocals.
The previous night, the two finalists battled it out infront of 7,000 fans and millions more at home watching the proceedings live.
The two finalists tackled 3 songs each: Idol producer Simon Fuller’s picks, the contestants’ favorites in the whole season, and their potential first single if they win the competition – a song selected by the record company.
The two singers alternated in performing during the night, with Jessica going first.
During round one, Sanchez performed the Whitney Houston hit “I Have Nothing.” Phillips, meanwhile, sang “Stand By Me,” a Ben E. King original.
In round 2, the contestants performed songs they previously sang in the competition: Andrea Boccelli’s “The Prayer” for Jessica, and Billy Joel’s “Movin’ Out” for Phillip.
Finally, original songs were the theme of the final round. Sanchez sang the ballad “Change Nothing,” while Phillip performed the song “Home.”
The judges – Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, and Randy Jackson – did not comment after each performance during the first two rounds, but gave their reactions after both contestants already finished singing.
The results were mixed. Round one of the last showdown went to Sanchez for her performance of a popular ballad that was right in her comfort zone, but Phillips snatched round 3 when he got a standing ovation from the judges. Round 2 was a draw, with one judge favoring Sanchez, one Phillips, and one saying it was a tie.
Anyways, Congratulation to both of you guys….
