Jessica Sanchez’s Top 4 AI performance reaps ovation, praise

American Idol contestant Jessica Sanchez earned yet another standing ovation from the AI judges Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson after her “winning” and “amazing” rendition of “And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" by Jennifer Holliday.   The accolades and applause came during the “California Dreamin” themed night of AI Season 11.   "Another winning performance. Just over the top," Tyler said.   "With a performance like that there is nothing to say. That was amazing," Lopez added.   Finally, Jackson put the icing on the cake by saying, "This is one of the hardest songs to sing. You got up there and slayed it."   Earlier, in the first round of the night, Sanchez sang “Steal Away" by Etta James and the judges heaped praise on the Filipino-Mexican contestant.   "That was crazy, crazy, crazy. You are one of the best," said singer-actress Jennifer Lopez.   "You just nailed that. That showed that other side of your voice," Aerosmith lead, Steven Tyler said.   While Grammy Award-winning producer Randy Jackson said, "I love the whole vibe of that."   The contestants who will advance to the top 3 will be decided on Friday (Thursday in the US).   “Following tonight’s episode of American Idol, a compilation album of the songs performed by the Season 11 Top 4 finalists will go on sale on the iTunes Store. Individual songs will also be available for sale,” the AI website said.   The iTunes tracks are studio versions the finalists recorded under the tutelage of  “Idol” musical director Ray Chew.   “This album showcases the incredible talent embodied by this year’s ‘Idol’ finalists,” Chew was quoted as saying. “These kids are truly amazing, and we’ve given them the kind of production values they deserve.”   Music industry legend and Interscope Records chairman Jimmy Iovine also coached the “Idol” finalists, the AI website said.   According to AI, “the number of fan and media comments about the show on Twitter and other social networking sites, which has skyrocketed this year, running six times higher than last year.”   Executive producer Nigel Lythgoe said, “You listen to these performers and it’s easy to understand the mind-blowing excitement that American Idol has generated this year.” — Andrei Medina/ELR, GMA News