‘American Idol’ notes: Jessica Sanchez, Carrie Underwood, and season 12

For our Saturday edition of “American Idol” notes, we are looking at more than just at some of the show’s former contestants — we also have a few details coming in courtesy of the season 12 auditions at Dodger Stadium.

Jessica meets Philippine president – Even though she has been off the show for less than a month, Jessica Sanchez has already performed in America’s capital, and has now met the President of a country that she holds dear to her heart.

On Friday, Jessica had an opportunity to meet the President of the Philippines, which is something that she referred to on Twitter later as a massive “honor.” (You can also check out a video of this very meeting below.)

Jessica will be taking part in another major event on Saturday, as she performs the National Anthem at the boxing match featuring Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao.

Carrie Underwood makes bold statement for gay marriage – When you see so many people of the Christian faith saying and doing terrible things at times when it comes to homosexuality and gay marriage, statements such as what Carrie Underwood recently made in the Independent are a pleasant reminder that the shocking headlines are only the selected opinions of a few.

Specifically, Carrie’s argument for gay marriage is simply that God wanted us to love everyone, and marriage between same-sex couples is really an extension of that:

“Our church is gay-friendly … Above all, God wanted us to love others. It’s not about setting rules, or [saying] ‘everyone has to be like me’. No. We’re all different. That’s what makes us special. We have to love each other and get on with each other.

“As a married person myself, I don’t know what it’s like to be told I can’t marry somebody I love, and want to marry. I can’t imagine how that must feel. I definitely think we should all have the right to love, and love publicly, the people that we want to love.”

It’s a big statement from someone who is both from the south and religious, so it’s to be seen if it has a big impact.

Season 12 filming begins – Can you believe that the road to next season’s finale is starting already? The first round of open auditions for “American Idol” were held Thursday in Los Angeles, and it was hardly much of a crowd. As a matter of fact, estimates put it somewhere between 2,000 and 3,000 people. (Then again, this has never been the sort of audition hub as cities on the east coast, the midwest, or the south.)

The people to move forward to the next round will not end up actually seeing the judges until likely September, so this gives Jennifer Lopez some time to make up her mind about whether or not she is returning. Both Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler have made no overtures about leaving, so we have to assume they will be back.

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As always, stay tuned for more of the latest “Idol” news!

Photo: Fox