Jessica Sanchez makes it to ‘American Idol’s’ top 6

The viewers have spoken. Jessica Sanchez lives to fight another day on "American Idol." After escaping elimination last week by the skin of her teeth, courtesy of the three judges, Jessica convincingly proved to the American audience that she deserves to continue performing on "AI."

Of course, I didn't see the results show on TV as it will only be aired tonight on ETC (Channel 9 on terrestrial TV and 14 on Sky) but Jessica's victory was all over the Internet this morning. That's because the show aired Thursday evening in the US which is Friday morning in the Philippines. The Internet also contained the names of the three singers who were in the bottom three, Hollie Cavanagh, Elise Testone and Colton Dixon. To add to the suspense and make sure viewers stayed till the conclusion of the show, Ryan did not get to Jessica till the last 10 minutes of the show when he revealed that she was safe. Finally, Ryan announced that it was Colton who was going home.

I did watch the Top 7 perform last night with Jessica interpreting two songs, Alicia Keys' "Fallin'" and Otis Redding's "Try a Little Tenderness." Her hair, make-up and attire made her look older than her actual age, 16. I suppose this was done to convey the image that she's almost an adult and should not be looked at as a carefree teenybopper.

After she did "Fallin," the studio audience gave her an extended round of applause. Steven Tyler commented that "everyone in America now knows that you can sing as if they didn't know before." Jennifer Lopez said, "I'm glad you're still with us. I'm glad we saved you. You did a great job tonight." Randy gushed, "Your talent is so other-wordly. I don't know if you even know how good you really are, how even greater you can be. I loved it. Brilliant."

With her second number, "Try a Little Tenderness," I felt the irony of her take on the song. She was singing about tenderness but there was nothing tender about her voice. Of course, she was just following how Otis Redding attacked the song. She was, however, giving a woman's point of view which was more right on with the message of the lyrics. At the conclusion of her song, she finally let all the anger and frustration of an oppressed woman explode It could also signify how she felt about getting the lowest number of votes last week.

If Jessica hopes to get to the finale and become the next American Idol, she must change the way the public perceives her persona. Her voice is remarkable, as the judges have continually told her, but she has to improve her image. She has to look more mature than her tender age. She has to be provocative and show everyone that there's a naughty side to her. She has to be more outgoing and assertive without, of course, losing her vulnerability. This is a tall order for the youngest contestant on "AI" but she has to make a special effort if she wants to succeed in this business."

Next week, it will be a battle for the top 5 slots among Jessica, Elise, Hollie, Joshua Ledet, Skylar Laine, and Phillip Phillips. "AI" is getting really exciting. From my end, I think the finale will feature either Phillip or Joshua against Jessica unless something shocking happens again in which case Jessica can't be saved anymore. Thant's unlikely to happen since her supporters have awakened from their slumber and are actively voting for her to win.

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