San Diego's “Idol” Gets Down With the Left

San Diego received some representation at Night 2 of the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday when American Idol alum and Chula Vista native Jessica Sanchez took the stage to perform her take on Marvin Gaye’s classic “You’re All I Need to Get By.”

Although the 17-year-old is too young to vote in the next election, Sanchez received the chance of a lifetime to perform in the company of major campaign players Michelle Obama, Bill Clinton and many more. Sanchez was joined on her rendition of the track by God’s Appointed People Choir, giving the song a powerful, gospel-tinged sound. With her smoky eyelids and sultry vocals, it's hard to believe an old soul like Sanchez was born in 1995.

The Chula Vista native and Eastlake Middle School alum gained worldwide recognition as runner-up on Season 11 of American Idol earlier this year. After auditioning for the program in San Diego, Sanchez went to Hollywood, then made it all the way up to the upper rungs of the show's finalists before losing the title to Phillip Phillips. At age 10, Sanchez was a runner-up on the talent show Showtime at the Apollo, where host Whoopi Goldberg thought she was so good she called the youngster out to accept an additional round of applause. At 11, Sanchez competed on Season 1 of America’s Got Talent, where her flawless execution of Celine Dion’s “I Surrender” garnered many rave reviews.

It’s safe to say her appearance at the Democratic National Convention and her execution of the Marvin Gaye classic signify big things for Sanchez, who recently signed with Interscope Records and debuted her first single “Fairytale” off her still-TBA debut album.

Night 3 of the Democratic National Convention airs Thursday, where the star of the show, President Barack Obama, will take the stage.

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