Contestant Jessica Sanchez, left, was "saved" by judges Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez on "American Idol" Thursday. Show host Ryan Seacrest, right, joined them on stage. CARIN BAER/Fox
It was all about high drama surrounding finalist Jessica Sanchez on Thursday's "American Idol."
The 16-year-old singer who has wowed audiences and judges alike on Fox's "American Idol" suddenly found herself in danger of going home.
It was a shock that she and finalists Elise Testone and Joshua Ledet were in the bottom three following the national vote after Wednesday’s performances. Then the announcement came that Sanchez, clearly one of the judges’ favorites, received the lowest number of votes. A statement which drew boos and gasps from the studio audience.
Then teenager from San Diego, Calif., was asked to take the stage to sing her last song before the judges' final vote.
She was part way into that song when judges Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson rushed the stage and took her microphone.
"Give me that mike," said Lopez, hugging a teary-eyed Sanchez. "This is crazy… You ain't going home! Go sit down! Go sit down!" Lopez told the teenager, will continue as one of seven finalists on Fox's reality TV singing competition.
"We are saving Jessica without any doubt," added Jackson, officially activating the single "save" which the judges must use before the final five contestants are chosen. "For myself, Steven and Jennifer, this girl is one of the best singers in America. Please everybody … vote for the best!"
Sanchez told host Ryan Seacrest she wasn't thinking anything when she learned she had the lowest number of votes.
"No, not at all," she said. "I don't expect anything. I just do what I do. Whatever happens, happens. I just want people to know I've been working hard my whole life."
Jackson said in a later interview that the problem with who was in the bottom three could be chalked up to "American Idol" fans taking for granted that others are voting and not using their own vote.
"American Idol' airs at 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays on Fox, channel 23, cable 5.
