I know, I sound like frenzied judge, Bruno Tonioli, praising some sizzling tango… but Jessica’s duet with Jennifer Holiday on American Idol left millions of fans gasping through their standing ovations. You’ll see (again). The daughter of an Iraq/Afghanistan War Veteran delivered several jaw-dropping performances on the show. This one, however, was much more than a “crowning moment” in the sixteen-year-old’s professional singing career. I’ve watched it repeatedly just to feel my heart pound and to see if my eyes would tear up each time. Yup, every time! The chemistry between Ms. Sanchez and Jennifer Holiday was pure genius. Add to that, I cannot imagine what would challenge this teen’s vocal chops.
Exuding gratitude and agility beyond her years, Jessica is a rare jewel. As a beautifully poised first runner up, the outcome of not winning the ‘Idol title will make no difference in the future of this singing phenom. Whether it’s character akin to her brave, dedicated, Navy man Father, or her graceful command of one stellar gift, this little Mexican-Filipino-American has the right stuff.
Switching gears and more on the subject of uber-talented offspring, I can’t resist showing off my son Daniel Luna’s photography right here for everyone’s enjoyment, hee, hee! I integrated it into the header of my blog. He’s rocking this new passion with a growing fan base on facebook and Instagram too. So join the party! http://instagr.am/p/LEmJiQDGSO/
Finally, a new blog called Spicy Cilantro is about to impress on WordPress. Check out these 5, smart, lovely, related bloggers who will win your hearts with their amazing story and upcoming posts! They’re at http://www.Spicycilantro.com. I’m honored to say that I also helped set the table with blog design support for these fascinating women.
Humility is the only true wisdom by which we prepare our minds for all the possible changes of life. – George Arliss
Ready for Summer Vacation?
Give the kids (ages 10 and up) a great book to read at home, traveling, or anywhere you’d like to keep them entertained! Light Riders is available on Kindle at Amazon.
Casandra Moreno Lombera is an author, blogger, and Emmy nominated television producer who grew up in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Denver communities. In junior high school, she promised her single mother that she would get straight A’s in order to graduate early and help her relocate to Aurora, Colorado. She did… and though women and Latinas were scarcely visible in television, she dreamed of a future in broadcast journalism. From an early age, Casandra wanted children and loved to write. She began her career in television (writing and reporting on camera) at the age of 18. She also began raising two very successful children as a single mom. Throughout her career, she became an award winning, television producer/program creator (receiving both the Imagen and Golden Eagle Awards); was executive producer of both public affairs and children’s programming at KWHY-TV, Channel 22; and worked on camera hosting public affairs talk shows for many years. More distinctive opportunities came her way, however her desire to write children’s books and to blaze new trails in the publishing world became irrepressible. Her dreams today focus on empowering youth, writing (particularly about God’s love for them), and raising money for the impoverished through organizations like Hope Worldwide https://www.hopeww.org/sslpage.aspx.
Throughout her life, she has been passionate about hands-on giving to the community and has received many forms of appreciation (including a congressional commendation) for her efforts. She has served on several boards including Communications Bridge Institute, training disadvantaged youth in television production; St. Anne’s, building futures for at risk teens and unwed mothers; HOPE, Hispanas Organized for Political Equality; the American Diabetes Association fund raising committee; and the Consumer Advisory Committee for the California Contractors State Licensing Board.
Casandra is also a recipient of La Opinion’s 2012 Mujeres Destacadas (Exceptional Women) Award.
She is completely smitten with her husband, two children, and four grand babies who inspired Light Riders.
Follow her @casandratweets and @Lightersbook on Twitter. Her blog is at http://www.shewentthere.wordpress.com. Direct Contact: Lightridersbook@gmail.com
Good stuff hermana hermosa! I hadn’t seen that performance. I love Jennifer Holiday who basically put that song on the map and what a moving performance! I agree, Jessica Sanchez’s future is bright! ♥
Wow, i had not seen this and I am soo glad you have it here – WOW, blew me away! mouth open shaking head in amazement blown away — THANKS FOR THAT ! I’m going to join the email subscription so I dont miss out on a thing! =)
Ready for Summer Vacation? 
Awesome write up! I love Jessica Sanchez!
Thank you Spicy Cilantro! Love all you ladies and so glad we’re giving Jessica the plaudits she deserves!
Great writing and what a wonderful life for Jessica! I am also very impressed with Daniel’s work! Big hug, my dear, Richard Yniguez
Thank you Richard! Your praise is priceless! : )
Good stuff hermana hermosa! I hadn’t seen that performance. I love Jennifer Holiday who basically put that song on the map and what a moving performance! I agree, Jessica Sanchez’s future is bright! ♥
Thank you my Lola! So grateful when you enjoy my posts! It inspires me to “keep on keeping on” with my writing. Love you!!!
Wow, i had not seen this and I am soo glad you have it here – WOW, blew me away! mouth open shaking head in amazement blown away — THANKS FOR THAT ! I’m going to join the email subscription so I dont miss out on a thing! =)
So glad you saw it!!! It’s such an epic performance. How about those faces?…LOL. Love you mucho my amazing Lil Sis!