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MANILA, Philippines - It's a Jessica Sanchez-Philip Philips showdown in next week's finale of "American Idol". The soulful Joshua Ledet was voted out following the show's Top 3 episode.
After Sanchez's Top 3 performance, American Idol judge Steven Tyler had tipped her to be among the last contestants standing. "I believe," said Tyler.
Sanchez took on "tough hills to climb" said Idol judge Randy Jackson who was mostly impressed by the 16-year-old singer's courage to take on songs by Mariah Carey, Aerosmith and The Jackson 5.
For Sanchez's first song in the Top 3 episode, Jennifer Lopez chose Carey's "My All", which was the Idol judges' favorite song.
"I knew I wanted to hear her sing a song like this; it's one of my favorite songs," Lopez said. "There's a tenderness in this song that I feel that she will kill."
And Sanchez's rendition of the Carey song drew rave reviews from the three judges.
Jackson said the song was "absolutely beautiful" and perfect for Sanchez.
"I'm telling you what, I think it's one of the best times a Mariah song has ever been performed on TV," he added.
In another crazy way, you'll be the last one standing here, I believe," Tyler said.
view Jessica Sanchez's "My All" below:
For her second song in the Top 3, Sanchez decided to take on Aerosmith's powerful rock-ballad classic, "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing."
All eyes were on Tyler, who is the band's iconic lead singer. But the rock legend was gracious to Sanchez and gave her a standing ovation.
"Well, you just took a great song and made it greater. Thank you," Tyler said.
"That was amazing... really, really great job, baby," Lopez raved.
Meanwhile, Jackson was impressed that Sanchez was fearless with her song choices.
"You're choosing some really tough hills to climb," he said.
View Jessica Sanchez's "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing"
For her last song, Sanchez took on The Jackson 5's "I'll Be There", which incidentally was also covered by Mariah Carey.
Idol mentor Steven Iovine threw Sanchez this curve ball, which the young singer revealed was one of her favorites.
"I love this song!" Sanchez said.
Tyler told Sanchez that the song was absolutely "perfect".
"You nailed it, delicious," Tyler added.
"You almost sounded like Michael," Lopez told Sanchez praising the Idol finalists' rendition.
But at this point, Jackson seemed a bit on the fence about the Filipino-Mexican singer's performance.
"Once again, we're at the end here, and you're on the stage with all these other dynamic singers. There was never a moment moment," he said.
But the audience were not with Jackson on this view.
"Can't I have an opinion?" he asked the booing audience. "No!" they shouted in return.
At the end of the day - and all the voting - Jackson had his opinion, but Sanchez got the votes.
View Jessica Sanchez's performance of "I'll Be There" below:
Is Jessica Sanchez the next American Idol? Share your opinions below!
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