Advertisement

When it comes to talent, Jessica is the real ‘American Idol’

Now that the dust has settled, I can say without fear of contradiction from most readers that Jessica Sanchez was the best singer on "American Idol," Season 11.

Phillip Phillips' victory illustrates the weakness of the present system where the winner is chosen on the basis of popularity rather than talent. Several posts ago, I stated that music pros and not viewers should pick the winner. If this had been the case, Jessica would have won, hands down.

Compare Jessica's duet with Jennifer Holliday on "And I Am Telling You" with Phillip's duet with John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival on "Bad Moon Rising" and it is very clear who is the better singer.

A sing-off with Joshua or Colton preferred

Jessica has always taken risks to tackle different styles of singing and has faltered in some of her choices. On the whole, however, her interpretation of "The Prayer," "And I Will Always Love You," "Try A Little Tenderness" and her most difficult challenge ever, "And I Am Telling You" has overshadowed her missteps. Phillip, on the other hand, chose to stay on the safe side and picked a repertoire that became boring after a while.

I believe the finale should have been a sing-off between Joshua Ledet and Jessica. He was definitely a more powerful singer than Phillip and the finale would have been a real contest between two talented singers.

Even Colton Dixon, who was the seventh contestant eliminated, would have been a better choice. Phillip should have been sent home before Colton. Unfortunately, the teenyboppers overwhelmed the more discerning voters and that's why the WGWG or White Boy With Guitar is this year's American Idol. Oh, well.

PNoy and his veep rooted for Jessica

Despite her loss, Jessica has already made "Idol" history. She is the first American with Filipino and Mexican blood to make it to the finale. She is also the youngest singer at 16 years of age to place second in the competition.

Her fantastic journey unified Filipinos all over the world to campaign for her. Locally, the impeachment trial stayed in the background as her countrymen, including President Noynoy Aquino and Vice President Jejomar Binay, rooted for her.

Fortunately for Jessica, her loss is only the beginning of what many believe will be a glittering career in the music business. Already, she is said to being wooed by Tommy Mottola, former entertainment executive of Sony Music. Phillip, on the other hand, has won an exclusive contract worth $1 million with 19 management, which is affiliated with "American Idol."

Eliminated hopefuls rule

Now the contest is going to be determined by actual record sales rather than votes. Previous "Idol" contestants who have placed second or lower have been doing well in their careers.

The most successful is seventh place finisher Jennifer Hudson who has won both an Oscar and a Grammy and has been selling a lot of albums. Other noteworthy also-rans who are doing well are Adam Lambert, Katharine McPhee, David Archuleta, Chris Daughtry and Clay Aiken.

I wish Jessica all the best in her career. As posted on the Internet, Phillip may be the American Idol but Jessica is the World's Idol.

Editor's note: The blogger's views do not represent Yahoo! Southeast Asia's position on the topic or issue being discussed in this post.