MANILA, Philippines - Jessica Sanchez's skillful singing, the kind that's deemed way beyond her tender years, has apparently been harnessed early on thanks to her Filipino grandmother.
The ''American Idol'' Season 11 Top 2 finalist, born to a Filipina mother from Samal, Bataan, and a Mexican-American U.S. navy father, was just two years old when her family first saw her potential as a performer. According to Jessica's relatives, it was her ''lola'' Virgie Bugay who used to accompany her to singing contests.
''Bitbit ng lola 'yung apo. Since bata palang, laging sinasabi sa'min ng lolo't lola niya, bata palang pangarap niya na 'yon,'' Jessica's aunt, Catherine Bugay, told ''The Buzz'' on May 20 of the 16-year-old ''Idol'' contestant's aspirations of becoming a singer.
The Chula Vista, California-born Jessica also took voice lessons, her aunt Catherine added.
''Laging ine-enroll. Kumbaga ang mamahal nga raw ng enroll doon,'' she related.
As Jessica's passion for singing grew, she had to be home schooled. She gained prominence in her hometown at age 10, appearing on various TV stations in San Diego. She went on to take a shot at singing for a bigger audience in 2006, when she joined ''America's Got Talent.'' Jessica, however, didn't make it past the semi-final round. Nevertheless, another exciting opportunity opened for her through ''American Idol,'' where she is just a step closer in bagging the title.
Her relatives believe that Jessica will win over 21-year-old Phillip Phillips in the finale, which will be held this week in Los Angeles. Their belief in Jessica isn't surprising, especially with one of them saying in a GMA News interview that they are a family of musicians.
Aside from her kin, other half-Filipino singers recently extended their support for Jessica, such as Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, Disney singer-actress and granddaughter of music veteran Sylvia La Torre.
In the same ''Buzz'' report, the ''Godspell'' star said, ''I'm very proud of Jessica Sanchez. I look at her and I think the Filipino Whitney Houston. Her voice is so powerful.''
Meanwhile, Jasmine Trias, the first ''Idol'' contestant with Filipino blood to reach the Top 3 (back in Season 3), tweeted on May 19:
''Congratulations @JSanchezAI11 on reaching the @AmericanIdolFinale! Crossing my fingers & toes for you to go all the way!#PinoyPride #Idol.''
Jessica is apparently in utter disbelief over making it to the finale, tweeting last May 18, ''You guys..I have never in my life thought I'd be in this position..Thank you so much! <3''
She and Phillip will sing three songs each during the Top 2 showdown episode (which will be aired on May 22 in the US), namely their favorite song during the competition, ''AI'' producer Simon Fuller's choice, and this season's song penned for the winner.
