Soulful even if a bit raspy

It was a homecoming of sorts for Fil-Am singer Jessica Sanchez and her fans who celebrated Valentine’s Day at The Big Dome with a lot of heart and soul.

The Big Dome was filled to the rafters. Jessica Sanchez Live in Manila marked her first solo concert after the reality hit-show American Idol (AI).

Fellow AI finalist and concert guest Colton Dixon aptly described the show during a presscon in Manila, “She’s got some flavor and I’ve got some rock.”

Colton, who was the only guest during the concert, opened the show with original songs from his first album The Messenger, and some covers from Switchfoot and Lifehouse, Meant to Live and Everything.

Just before Jessica took the stage, two AI staff came in with a surprise announcement that everyone who joined the concert will be part of the singer’s upcoming AI guesting as she delivered a familiar spiel: “I am Jessica Sanchez and this is American Idol!”

As the fans chanted her name, Jessica, clad in a metallic dress, entered the stage with a Lauren Hill rendition of Can’t Take My Eyes of You, followed by a Michael Jackson original, Human Nature.

Jessica also sang soulful pieces like Love on Top, Valerie and Steal Away, but it was with signature ballads such as Adele’s Someone Like You, Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You and Jennifer Holliday’s And I Am Telling You that truly captured the audience and brought the house down.

Other highlights included Skylar Grey’s I Love The Way You Lie, which she sang with Colton and Luther Vandross’ Dance with My Father, a song that she dedicated to her dad.

However, what really earned a rousing applause and a standing ovation was when Jessica stepped back on the stage in a stunning Rajo Laurel white gown and sang a George Canseco Pinoy ballad favorite, Ikaw.

It was a proud and goose-bump moment to all who rooted and cheered for the pint-sized belter as she fought her way to the top during her AI journey.

Despite the fact that Jessica’s voice was a bit raspy (some even tweeted that she’s not feeling okay), still she managed to hit all the difficult notes and pulled through every number with her big, soulful voice.

Jessica capped the show with upbeat songs, Fairytale and Jump In, a preview from her first album and Smart Communications’ campaign feat. apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas.

Overall, it was a mix of familiar favorites and new tunes, which signals Jessica’s transition from AI into the mainstream, ushering a new chapter in the young diva’s budding career.