Jessica Sanchez gets nods for 2 of 3 rounds

MANILA (3rd Update, 9:03 a.m.) -- Although Filipino-Mexican Jessica Sanchez got judges' nods for the first and second rounds of the American Idol final performance night on Tuesday (US time), Phillip Phillips closed the show with a standing ovation.

Both finalists were asked to sing three songs: a song chosen by Idol creator Simon Fuller, the best song sang in their Idol journey, and an original song written for them.

Sanchez opened the show with Whitney Houston's hit song "I Have Nothing" that got judge Randy Jackson's nod.

"Round one goes to Jessica," he said.

Phillips took on the stage with Ben E. King's "Stand By Me."

Judge Jennifer Lopez admitted it was hard to choose who stood out, as both "are a total opposite." She said Sanchez delivered an "amazing vocal prowess," while Phillips was "original" and showed "creativity."

Judges Jackson and Steven Tyler also said round two went to Sanchez.

Sanchez sang "The Prayer," which was popularized by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli. She performed the same song before she got in the top 25.

Phillips, for his second performance, took on "Movin Out" by Billy Joel.

For the third round, Phillips got a standing ovation after he performed an original composition "Home."

Sanchez's original composition was a pop ballad called "Change Nothing," which judges did not like. They however said it was not Sanchez's fault.

Jackson admitted he did not love the song but said the 16-year-old singer made "something out of it."

The winner will be announced on Wednesday (US time, Thursday in the Philippines). (Sunnex)