Fil-Am American Idol alumna Jessica Sanchez congratulated Regine Velasquez for being one of the judges of ABS-CBN's upcoming franchise of Idol.
Titled Search for the Idol Philippines, the reality show will be one of Regine's projects in the Kapamilya Network.
Jessica wrote in a tweet addressed to Regine last October 19: "Big congrats to miss @reginevalcasid on the big news !!! Thank you for being amazing & also for rooting for me when i was on idol! Can’t wait to see you as a judge on Phil Idol"
Asia's Songbird replied, "You should’ve been the winner but even so to all of us Filipinos YOU ARE THE WINNER. I’m proud of you and thank you."
In her virtual press conference held recently for the Fil-Am singer, Jessica recalled:
"I just remember when I was younger, growing up, hearing Regine Velasquez singing. She's definitely a timeless Filipino singer, like one of those legends in the Philippines.
"I'm very excited for her move to ABS-CBN. Congratulations to her and congratulations on the Idol stuff.
"Super awesome for her. All the love for her. She's still doing amazing things and I'm super proud of her.
"I hope one day, I'll be able to perform with her."
As for Jessica, she is expected to return to Manila for her November 10 concert at The Theatre at Solaire Resort. She will have Martin Nievera as her special guest.
Fans can also look forward to hearing her new song from Universal Records.
Titled "Another Silent Christmas Song," this is the second collaboration between American Idol Season 11 runner-up Jessica and Filipino singer Christian Bautista.
Jessica first collaborated with Christian in the latter's previous album Kapit for the song "Two Forevers."
This new holiday tune was written by record producer and American songwriter Bryan Todd, and multi Tony, Grammy and Olivier award-winning poet and songwriter Steven Sater.
"Another Silent Christmas Song" will be released on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, and Amazon on November 2, 2018.
Idol Philippines is the third Philippine incarnation of the Idol franchise.
The first one, which was called Philippine Idol, was aired in ABC-5 in 2006.
The second franchise was titled Pinoy Idol, and was aired in GMA-7 in 2008.
Jessica Sanchez was the first runner-up to Philip Phillips in the 11th season of American Idol.