Teen singing sensation Jessica Sanchez has a lot more to worry about than just getting eliminated from “American Idol.”
Jessica — one of six contestants remaining in the competition — revealed on last night’s show that her father, a member of the US Navy, is being deployed in the next few weeks to serve in Singapore.
“I am such a daddy’s girl,” she told The Post moments after the show ended. “My dad has always been there for me. Watching him get deployed sucks. I miss him so much.”
Gilbert Sanchez, who is originally from Texas, has served multiple tours of duty in Iraq and Kuwait.
“It’s terrifying,” the young singer says.
“When I was younger he would spend like a year in Iraq. This has happened multiple times. It definitely scares me. I don’t know what is going to happen to him over there.”
Jessica — the oldest of three children, who all reside in San Diego — was “saved” by the judges two weeks ago after receiving the fewest number of America’s votes.
Her dad will be in the audience tonight when another contestant is sent to the showers.
Before heading across the Pacific, “he is going to be swapping with my mom and staying with me for a week — if I am still in the competition,” she says.
“Hopefully that happens so I can enjoy the experience of ‘Idol’ and enjoy being with my dad.”
And never knowing what the future holds, Jessica intends to make every second count.
“If that was the last chance I got with him, I would die,” she says.