Jessica Wins Hearts Of Millions
Phillip Phillips Is ‘American Idol’


After casting a record 132 million votes last night, “American Idol” fans have chosen Phillip Phillips as the Season 11 idol and 16-year-old Filipino-Mexican Jessica Sanchez as the first runner-up.

“I am happy. I am content,” a smiling Jessica told the Manila Bulletin backstage after the show.

Jessica, who admitted that she had barely any sleep the night before the awarding, said she was happy for Phillip.

She said, “I am so happy for him. I gave him a big hug. I love him so much. He has worked harder than most of us. He has this health issue (Phillip needing liver surgery) and he has gone through so much mentally and physically.”

She added, “I did predict that it was going to be him and Joshua (Ledet) in the finals and that Phillip was going to win. I love Phillip. He has this very humble side.”

Looking relieved, calm and composed, Jessica said that she really does not know yet what she will do next.

“Now that this is over, I don’t know what to expect. I was in an ‘Idol’ bubble and it has popped. I don’t know what I will do and where I will go. I can’t wait to perform for my fans and go on the ‘Idol’ tour.”

Twitter, however, is abuzz that record producer Tommy Mottola has already offered Jessica a recording deal. “I really do not know what to expect right now,” Jessica simply.