Jessica’s got it

Filipino celebrities are united in their support for Filipino-Mexican-American Jessica Sanchez, who will compete in the grand finale of the talent search “American Idol,” to be held at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles on May 22 and 23 (May 23 and 24 in Manila).

Before the big showdown between Jessica and guitar-strumming heartthrob Phillip Phillips, Filipino celebrities made known their unequivocal love for the pint-sized diva with the powerhouse voice.

Celeste Legaspi

Singer

First time I saw her perform, I was immediately impressed. She has quite a voice—a wide range with higher registers that she uses in a pure way and then [becomes] strong [when she’s] growling. She also dives to the low registers with ease, control and great musicality … But the best thing about her is that she has an understanding of the lyric. For a 16-year-old, that is truly a gift.

Jon Santos

Stand-up comic

Great songs sound even greater when sung with a Filipina heart. Aside from being a Vilmanian, I’m also a Jessican.

Sharon Cuneta

Singer-actress

I’m so happy and excited! She makes me prouder to be Pinoy. I am praying that she wins.

Ogie Alcasid

Singer/OPM president

Jessica is a real blessing. She was born to be a star.

Lea Salonga

Singer-actress

This is the farthest that an American of Asian descent has gone in “American Idol.” This is testament to her hard work and talent, the support of her family, and the unstoppable fans that have voted for her week after week. Whatever the outcome, she is a star and will have a wonderful future in the music industry.

Yam Laranas

Filmmaker

I am proud that she is not “owned” by warring networks and that she unites Filipino fans.

Vilma Santos

Actress-politician

She’s the pride of Filipinos. She brings positive news to our people and country. Mabuhay ka, Jessica!

Jose Javier Reyes

Filmmaker

I am extremely excited and overwhelmed for someone with Filipino blood to get her share of the international spotlight. I hope her journey will inspire Filipino artists of all callings to realize that the stage is boundless … Consider Lea Salonga, Arnel Pineda, Charice, Monique Lhuillier, Oliver Tolentino, Josie Natori, Daniel Romualdez, Kenneth Cobonpue and the others who came before them. The sky must be the limit; genuine talent knows no borders!

Leah Navarro

Singer

I’m very happy for her. Although not as protracted as AI, I’ve experienced competition and it’s tough going. Break a leg, Jessica!

Moy Ortiz

Singer

I am over the moon that she made it to the very final round. I believe that she truly deserves the title, considering her musical capabilities, marketability to a wider international audience, her very young age and her versatility. A win for Jessica is a gargantuan boost to our country’s morale.

Eugene Domingo

Comedienne

We are having mixed emotions as a music icon goes to heaven and here’s an up-and-coming one shining bright! A wild, crazy thought: Can she become as big as Donna Summer? The best is yet to come for Jessica. World, get ready for Jessica!

Ryan Cayabyab

Composer

Bring out the best bottles of wine and raise our glasses and toast Jessica. She was already a winner in my book, even before she made it to the Top 12. Her voice quality is extraordinary. At her young age, she has the polish and the drama and the command of her voice. She is mainstream pop and her voice will register well in recording. Listeners will definitely not get tired of her voice. It’ll be just a big bonus if she wins.

Madonna Decena

Singer

I’m very excited for her. It feels great to hear people from all over the world admiring her vocal prowess. I watched her compete on “America’s Got Talent” when she was a kid, and as early as then I already knew she was special. I always post on my Twitter, Facebook and Myspace page, encouraging people to vote for her. She will make history if she wins. But win or lose, we will always be proud of her.

Gary Valenciano

Singer

Her triumph will do more for the Philippines than she realizes. For someone her age, she already has an exceptional way of interpreting another artist’s song as if it was her own. As good as she is now, the best is yet to come.

Tessie Tomas

Actress

It’s wonderful! I started watching the show regularly because of her. Filipino talent is truly world-class.

Willie Nepomuceno

Stand-up comic

She’s full of sex appeal. She’s a fine dresser who carries herself, in her super high-heels, well. Still, you can see that her deportment is very Filipina, especially whenever she’s critiqued by the judges. What humility! I hope her X factor will work in her favor. May her soulful voice win the hearts of America without prejudice to the color of her skin.