Why Jessica Sanchez's Idol run matters much to the Filipinos

Jessica Sanchez was only starting to create a buzz when I shared to my colleague the fact that another Filipino made it to American Idol 11. Expectantly, she knew about it, but she also quickly commented "Ina-acknowledge ba nya na Pinoy sya?” (Does she acknowledge that she’s a Filipino?). And she listed a number of American "stars" with Filipino roots who do not acknowledge themselves as being one -- Vanessa Hudges, Rachel Bilson, among others. She got a point, but I believe Jessica's case is different.

I am a fan

Thia Megia wowed the judges 
by singing "Out Here On My Own"

Escapism via TV. It is this part of the year that I always get excited to catch a new season of American Idol. I became an avid fan, though, only since Season 5. At that time I fell in love with Katharine McPhee. But, of course, I was aware it's been in existence for 10 years now - wow, 10 years! My first glimpse was in Season 3 which made Jasmine Trias a celebrity. It was a breakthrough for Pinoys. And this year, yet another Pinoy made it - only till Top 10, though. Sadly, Thia Megia didn't make it further into the competition. Nevertheless, she won a fan out of me. Yes, I am digging her voice much like how crazy I am with Adele at the moment.

Let me share her AI journey via her i-Tunes music:

UPDATED: Thia performing "Chasing Pavements" on Live with Regis & Kelly! Whoa! If she could have sang some Adele, I wonder what would be the outcome. Hmm...