Awed and Shocked

American Idol 11 Finalist Jessica Sanchez

I was totally awed by the performance of Jessica Sanchez couple of nights ago. I definitely agree with Randy Jackson's comment that with the rendition of Jazmine Sullivan's "Stuttering," Jessica raised the bar in the competition. Her strong performance showcased her vocal prowess and superb technical mastery.

So I was naturally shocked to learn that Jessica Sanchez received the lowest number of votes. Luckily, the judges decided to use their option to save her, thus tiding her over to the next round. Somehow, I feel that judges did not exercise the singular save option because they are saving it for Jessica Sanchez, Colton Dixon or Elise Testone.

But what shcked me even more is the fact there were some brainless Filipinos who are quick to cry racial discrimination. Let me point out the fact that Jessica Sanchez is just as American as the rest of the contestants. While many Filipinos insist to see her as a Fil-Am (she is infact of Fil-Mexican descent), I am sure that judges and the those American Idol voters see her as a contestant who hails from San Diego, California.

Besides, I find it hard to believe that there's racial discrimination in a show produced by a British, hosted by a Southerner and has as judges, a Yankee, a Latina recording artist and a Black producer-songwriter.

American Idol is a talent search whose winner is decided by the votes cast by viewers. Considering the fact that Americans voted Dubya to the presidency thrice goes to show that sometimes, that American do commit mistake when it comes to some serious choosing.

Results of the voting in American Idol is primarily dictated not by race nor gender but by geography. A quick scan of the show is more popular in Southern states and Southerners tend to take it more seriously. A past study revealed that Southerners tend to spend more to make their homegrown talents win the contest. This explains why 6 of the past 10 winners came from the region. David Cook is from Missouri which is considered as Upland South, so make that 7.

Jordin Sparks is from Arizona while the biggest AI winner of them all, Carrie Underwood is an Oklahoman so this makes them more Southerner, too.

Jessica Sanchez, may or may not win this season, but this shouldn't worry her fans. Winning the title was never a guarantee to succeed. Jennifer Hudson is more successful than Fantasia. Runner-up Adam Lambert has more commercial success than Kris Allen. Chris Daughtry made it bigger than Taylor Hicks. And mind telling me who is more popular between Clay Aiken and Reuben Studdard?

The biggest shock for me would be Jessica Sanchez not making it in the recording business. Win or lose, she ought to be one of the recording industry's newest brightest stars.