Akon keen to sign American Idol star

Akon can't wait for American Idol finalist Jessica Sanchez to be voted off the TV talent show - so he can sign her up.

It appears the teenager has a career path mapped out for her whether she's crowned the 2012 Idol winner or not, thanks to her number one celebrity fan.

Akon, who recently guest mentored on Idol, says Sanchez is by far his favourite contestant this season, telling Eonline.com, "I know I shouldn't be saying this, but I kind of want her to get voted off so I can sign her. She's beyond the talent that's supposed to be there. I think she's overqualified, I really do.

"And she's only 16. I've been around a lot of superstars. I haven't seen anyone at that age sing like that."

Jessica Sanchez was almost voted off the show earlier this month (Apr12) but she was saved by the judges, who decided to use their once-per-season save.