Jessica Sanchez has been wowing the judges and audience -- and the competition -- on American Idol ever since the 16-year-old, California native hit the stage back in January.

Sanchez has delivered powerful performances of numerous iconic songs and done it with poise and ease well beyond her years.

While many see Sanchez as this year's American Idol frontrunner, she is just grateful for the opportunity to be on the show.

I don't expect anything, Sanchez told Seacrest when she ended up in the bottom three last month. Whatever happens, happens.

When Sanchez landed in the bottom three, viewers and judges were reminded of thetime Jennifer Hudson and Fantasia Barrino in Season 3, arguably some of the best voices ever in the competition, ended up in danger of being eliminated. Barrino went on to win that season and Hudson went on to win an Oscar for her supporting role in Dreamgirls and also has a successful music career.

On Wednesday night, Sanchez delivered a rousing performance of Jennifer Holiday's And I Am Telling You from the Broadway musical Dreamgirls. Jennifer Hudson also performed the song in her award-winning performance in the movie.

Another winning performance, just over the top, judge Steven Tyler said. Tell me how you really feel.

Amazing, Sanchez said when asked by Tyler how it felt to sing the song. I just let it all out.

There's nothing to say, judge Jennifer Lopez said. Your vocal ability is just not something you see all the time. I'm sure you feel a little emotional right now, because you let out so much.

This is one of the hardest songs in the world to sing, judge Randy Jackson said. This has been sung so many times on this stage and you got up there and slayed it. I don't know where you find the experience and the vocal chops, but you are phenomenal. Another great performance.

The performance followed a series of strong performances by Sanchez and the contestants still have some time before they crown the next American Idol.

Watch some of Sanchez's best performances below:

Whitney Houston's I Will Always Love You

Shortly after the death of Whitney Houston, Sanchez delivered a stunning performance of Houston's most-famous song, I Will Always Love You. The performance earned her praise by the judges with Jackson saying she is, one of the best talents in the whole country and Tyler proclaiming she may be the one. Sanchez said that she felt Houston's presence as she sang the song.

Beyonce's Sweet Dream

Sanchez's performance of the acoustic version of Beyonce's hit earned praise from the judges for its unique spin on the song.

Gloria Estefan's Turn the Beat Around

Sanchez's performance of Estefan's Turn the Beat Around took her away from singing her usual slow ballads and gave her a chance to have some fun.

Tina Turner's Proud Mary

This was another performance where Sanchez stepped out of her comfort zone and showed off her stage presence. While Randy Jackson didn't like this performance as much as Sanchez's others, Jennifer Lopez and the crowd couldn't disagree with Jackson more.

Sanchez has also performed other very famous songs, including Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody and Alicia Key's Fallin.

Next week the three remaining contestants will head back to their hometowns. Sanchez will be returning to San Diego, Joshua Ledet to Louisiana and Phillip Phillips to Georgia. Sanchez, Ledet and Phillips will then battle it out to see who will be crowned the next American idol.

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