...the girl from Chula Vista

Hero's welcome awaits Jessica in hometown

ABS-CBNnews.com

05/11/2012

MANILA, Philippines – Chula Vista City, the U.S. hometown of Filipina-Mexican “American Idol” finalist Jessica Sanchez, is preparing for a grand celebration in welcoming home the 16-year-old bet in the popular reality singing contest.

Jessica Sanchez. File photo

Sanchez, who has earned a spot in the show’s top 3, will visit her hometown on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) as part of the long-running tradition of the last three standing “Idol” contenders.

In anticipation of Sanchez's homecoming, the city government of Chula Vista  prepared day-long festivities that will feature a procession, a rally and a mini-concert led by the pint-sized city champ herself.

"Our community is thrilled to welcome home Jessica - she is already Chula Vista's Idol," Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox said. "Her amazing talent and accomplishments are deserving of this grand celebration. We are so proud of her."

Celebrating Sanchez’s “Idol” feat will come no short of levelling with her achievements on the show.
A football stadium has been set as the venue for the festivities, wherein Sanchez will take the microphone to perform publicly outside the “Idol” studio for the first time since joining the competition.

Leading up to the mini-concert will be a motorcade where Sanchez will ride along Eastlake Parkway from Otay Lakes Road to Clubhouse Drive onto the Eastlake High School football stadium.

The celebration will come after the announcement of the top three contestants in “American Idol,” which also include Joshua Ledet and Phillip Phillips.

Sanchez will continue her “Idol” journey on Wednesday (Thursday morning in Manila) during the top 3 performance night, where footage of the Chula Vista homecoming will also be shown.

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