Jessica Sanchez, the 16-year-old Fil-Mexican who is currently among the Top 3 contestants of American Idol, was welcomed by thousands of fans during her homecoming in Chula Vista in San Diego on Saturday, May 12.
(Photo Credit: Brittany Keener @blkeener on Twitter)
The event was part of the American Idol tradition that the final 3 contestants will do hometown visits.
As for Jessica, she was welcomed by thousands of fans in Chula Vista as she rode a procession with a marching band into the stadium of her alma mater, Eastlake High School where she had a mini-concert. She sang “Try a Little Tenderness,” “Stuttering,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “Proud Mary.”
Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox also declared May 12, Saturday, as “Jessica Sanchez Day.”
In the afternoon, Sanchez headed to USS Midway Museum to continue her homecoming celebration. The venue was limited to only 3,500 people.
Here she sang the “US National Anthem,” “Try a Little Tenderness” and “Dance with My Father” where she brought her dad up on stage.

(Photo Credit: JSanchezLegs @jsanchezlegs from Twitter)
(Photo Credit: Aaron Paul Composer via Facebook)
(Photo Credit: Aby Dauz of ABS-CBNnews.com)
Watch the videos here:
Jessica Sanchez Homecoming in Chulsa Vista, California – Photos and Videos originally appeared on Starmometer on May 13, 2012.