Fil-Am Jessica Sanchez joins ‘American Idol’ Top 7

Filipino-American teenager Jessica Sanchez made it to the top 7 on “American Idol” this week after fellow contestant DeAndre Brackensick was sent home in the elimination round Friday.   Joining Sanchez in the top 7 are fellow “Idol” hopefuls Joshua Ledet, Colton Dixon, Philip Philips, Skylar Laine, Elise Testone and Hollie Cavanagh.   Sanchez impressed the judges yet again when she sang Whitney Houston’s “How Will I Know?” for the show’s ‘80s night Thursday.   Randy Jackson said that the 16-year-old singer “did an amazing job,” while Steven Tyler told her, “Everything you do is beautiful.”   Sanchez also sang George Martin and Aretha Franklin’s duet “I Knew You Were Waiting For Me” with Ledet, earning yet another standing ovation from the judges.   Jennifer Lopez said that Sanchez and Ledet were a “dream pairing.”   Sanchez has gone further in the competition than other Fil-Am “Idol” hopefuls in recent years. Last year, Fil-Am Thia Megia made it to the top 11, while Ramiele Malubay finished in ninth place in 2008. Jasmine Trias came the closest to winning the title when she reached the top 3 in 2004. —Amanda Lago/VS, GMA News