Jessica Sanchez to visit Manila this year not once but twice?

By ROUCHELLE DINGLASAN, GMA News

Published June 14, 2012 7:00pm

Jessica Sanchez, the Filipino-Mexican-American first runner-up of “American Idol” Season 11 , may visit the Philippines this year not just once but twice.

Ovation Productions owner Renen de Guia told GMA News Online on Wednesday via e-mail that Sanchez will be part of the "American Idol" concert in the Philippines on September 21 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Last year, "American Idol" Season 10 contestants also held a concert in the Philippines, the only country where the group performed aside from the US. Separate blog posts also reported that Sanchez might be the front act for the Philippine concert of "American Idol" judge and renowned singer and actress Jennifer Lopez.

“American actress, businesswoman, dancer and recording artist Jennifer Lopez is coming to Manila Philippines for a one night live concert on November 24, 2012 at the Mall of Asia Arena,” the blogsite Live Concert Manila said.

Meanwhile, concert promoter Jun Lorenz Mamangon, chief executive officer of N91 Live Productions, was quoted on Digital Journal as saying: "I'm pushing for Jessica Sanchez to be Jennifer's front act and probably have her perform at least two songs for the Filipino concert goers."

Sanchez, 16, whose mother is a Filipino and whose father is a Mexican, lost the "American Idol" title to Phillip Phillips, 21. However, Sanchez has still been busy with singing engagements. Last weekend, Sanchez sang the American national anthem "Star-Spangled Banner" during the boxing fight of Sarangani Rep. and boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and American fighter Timothy Bradley Jr.

Sanchez also sang the American anthem during Game 1 of the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) Finals on June 12 in the United States (June 13 in the Philippines). - VVP, GMA News

Tags: jessicasanchez, americanidol