Jessica on Phl concert: 'This is the most special for me'

MANILA, Philippines - It’s a homecoming of sorts for American Idol Season 11 first runner-up Jessica Sanchez, coming to the Philippines for the first time for a one-night-only show on Friday.

The Fil-Am singer arrived yesterday, together with fellow AI finalists including winner Phillip Phillips, to a warm welcome at the airport and the press conference that followed at the Manila Hotel.

“I’ve never been out of the country before. This is such a delight going to the Philippines and traveling out of the (US) for the first time. Out of the whole tour, this is the most special for me,” Jessica told The STAR. The Philippines is the only overseas stop for the AI tour, and is the tour’s final concert. 

While in the country, Jessica hopes to meet her relatives from Bataan.

“My grandfather is here and my grandmother has traveled with us from the States. I definitely have lots of family here from Bataan. If I have any free time, I’d definitely go visit Bataan. I really want to.”

While “my mom and grandmother cook Filipino food for me all the time,” Jessica admitted that her idea of the Philippines is very limited and that she wasn’t that familiar with Filipino culture, but AI and the overwhelming support of Filipinos “opened my eyes in many different ways.”

Referring to the support, she said, “It means a lot! Even while I was in the States, while I was in the show, like I heard they were voting crazy for me, like on Skype or Magic Jack… (Filipinos) have really been a big part of my success. I am definitely appreciative of them.”

She added, “That’s why I’m excited to be here… I wouldn’t have a lot of downtime, but the time that I do have, I want to learn (about the country).”

According to her, AI was “definitely a platform” that helped her connect with her roots and helped people find out about her talents. “AI is the reason I’m here.”

As the 45-date AI tour, which also took them to major cities in North America, is now wrapping up, Jessica is looking forward to finishing her album, which she is working on with her US producers, who have worked with the likes of Beyonce and Rihanna.

The album will feature the kind of music that’s really her style – “urban, R&B, pop-ish music” – a departure from the music and ballads that she was identified with on AI. Other plans include acting in a popular US show, though “nothing is confirmed yet but let’s see what happens.”

As to talk she’s going to be part of the movie adaptation of Miss Saigon, she said, “It’s just a rumor, that I want to happen.”

She’s also extending her stay in the Philippines to do endorsements.  

Meanwhile, Jessica said fans can expect a different show on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

There’s something bittersweet to it because it’s going to be their last time all together.

“It’s so sad, there was a couple of us crying at the last show, but we’re like, we’re going to see each other in a couple of days, so we’re all good. But this time we’re actually saying goodbye to each other. We don’t know if we’re going to see each other again. (But) since we’re a such a strong group, I’m hoping that we all keep contact and get together once or twice in a year.”

But one thing is for sure – although this may be her “home court,” Jessica said the spotlight is not going to be on her alone.

“No, oh gosh no! This is the American Idol Live tour. I would want (my fellow finalists) to be more in the spotlight than me.”

Joining Philip and Jessica are Joshua Ledet, DeAndre Brackensick, Elise Testone, Erika Van Pelt, Hee Jun Han, Skylar Laine, Colton Dixon and Hollie Cavanagh.