Jessica Sanchez: The biography of American Idol Runner-Up
Who is Jessica Sanchez?
Jessica Sanchez, the American singer-songwriter and actress, was born on August 4, 1995. She gained popularity as the runner-up on the eleventh season of American Idol. Her full name is Jessica Elizabeth Sanchez, and at the age of eleven, she participated in America’s Got Talent before appearing on American Idol.
Sanchez has also been a part of the musical comedy-drama TV show Glee, and the Philippine television reality talent competition show called The Clash.
In this biography, we will delve deeper into the life of this talented artist and uncover her journey to success.
Quick facts
| Full name | Jessica Elizabeth Sanchez |
| Known as | Jessica |
| Birthday | August 4, 1995 |
| Age | 28 years old |
| Sun sign | Leo |
| Birthplace | Chula Vista, California, USA |
| Current residence | California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Parents | Editha Sanchez, Gilbert Sanchez |
| Siblings | Zachary Sanchez, Jeremy Sanchez |
| Marital status | In a relationship |
| Spouse | Rickie Gallardo (boyfriend) |
| Children | None |
| Education | No information |
| Profession | Singer |
| Net worth | USD 2 million |
| Social media | YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, |
| Height | 5 feet 1 inch |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
Early life
Jessica Sanchez had an interesting childhood, having been born in Chula Vista, California, to parents from two different cultural backgrounds. Her mother, Edita Sanchez, hails from Samala, Bataan, in the Philippines, while her father, Gilbert Sanchez, is a Mexican-American from Texas, USA.
Jessica also has two younger brothers, her constant companions growing up. Her parents noticed her singing talent when she was just two years old, and they nurtured her gift from a young age. Jessica’s mother, in particular, played a crucial role in encouraging her daughter’s love for music. She bought Jessica a karaoke machine, and the young girl spent countless hours singing along to popular songs.
In addition to her singing, Jessica also displayed a talent for dance. At the age of three, she started attending dance classes and participated in various competitions, often winning top honors. She was also active in her church’s choir, which gave her an opportunity to sing in front of a larger audience.
Despite her talent, Jessica faced some challenges growing up. Her family was not well-off, and they struggled to make ends meet at times. It meant Jessica had to work harder than most to pursue her dreams. However, her perseverance paid off, and she became a household name in the music industry.
Jessica’s childhood experiences helped shape her into the determined, hardworking, and talented artist she is today.
Family
Jessica Sanchez’s mother, Editha Sanchez, hails from Samal, Bataan, in the Philippines. Her mother played a crucial role in nurturing her daughter’s love for music. Editha bought Jessica a karaoke machine when she was a child, and Jessica spent countless hours singing along to popular songs. Her mother also introduced her to the music of legendary artists like Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, which helped shape her musical style.
Jessica Sanchez’s father, Gilbert Sanchez, is a Mexican-American from Texas, USA. Sanchez’s father’s career in the United States Navy Reserves meant the family moved around frequently but always remained close.
Jessica’s parents have always supported her dreams, and they noticed her singing talent from a young age. They encouraged her love for music and provided her with the necessary tools to develop her skills.
Jessica also has two younger brothers, who are close to her heart. They grew up together, and Jessica often refers to them as her “biggest supporters.” Although her family struggled financially at times, they remained united and strong and supported each other through thick and thin.
Sanchez’s upbringing has significantly influenced her life and career, and she credits her family for shaping her into the artist she is today.
Relationships
DeAndre Brackensick
Jessica Sanchez and DeAndre Brackensick are former American Idol contestants who met on the show’s eleventh season. They struck up a close friendship during the competition, and rumors of a romantic relationship between them began to surface.
While Jessica and DeAndre never confirmed whether they were in a romantic relationship, they remained close friends and often posted pictures of each other on social media. In an interview with Inquirer.net in 2013, Jessica said that DeAndre was like a “brother” to her and that they were very close. She also stated they had a “special relationship” but did not elaborate further.
Although there were rumors of a romantic relationship between Jessica and DeAndre, they have both remained tight-lipped about the nature of their relationship. However, they have continued to support each other in their respective careers, and Jessica even invited DeAndre to perform with her on her 2019 tour.
While there is no concrete evidence to suggest that Jessica and DeAndre were ever in a romantic relationship, their close friendship and rumored relationship have continued to generate interest among their fans.
Rickie Gallardo
In her latest Instagram post, she has been seen going on a world tour with Rickie Gallardo. She is in a relationship with Rickie, as it may seem. Rickie has kept his Instagram profile private, so little is known about him.
Jessica Sanchez career
Jessica Sanchez’s career has been nothing short of impressive. She first appeared on the musical TV show Showtime at Apollo in 2005 and participated in America’s Got Talent as a wildcard act in 2006.
Although she was not selected for the show’s grand finale, Jessica’s talent did not go unnoticed. In 2008, she performed ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ before the match between the San Diego Chargers and the New York Jets in the NFL season.
Sanchez’s career took off in 2011 when she auditioned for American Idol’s eleventh season. Although eliminated in the 28th episode, the judges eventually saved Jessica from elimination using the “Judges Save” option.
After that, she became the show’s runner-up, with Philip Philips being the ultimate winner. After American Idol, Jessica signed a record deal with Interscope Records in 2012 and released her first single, “Tonight,” featuring Ne-Yo.
In addition to her music career, Jessica appeared on the musical comedy-drama show Glee. She played the role of Frida Romero, the lead vocalist of The Hoosierdaddies, and appeared in the episodes ‘All or Nothing’ and ‘Lights Out.’ Furthermore, she also participated in the Philippine television reality show called The Clash in 2018.
Jessica’s talents have not gone unnoticed, and has received numerous accolades for her work. In 2013, she was nominated for a Teen Choice Award for Choice Female Artist and won the Choice American Idol Alum award.
Jessica Sanchez also received an Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program award at the 2013 Primetime Emmy Awards. Jessica’s talent, dedication, and hard work have made her a force to be reckoned with in the music industry, and she continues to inspire fans worldwide with her music.
Albums:
Studio albums
| Title | Details | Sales |
|---|---|---|
| Me, You and the Music | Released: April 30, 2013 Label: Interscope/19 Formats: CD, LP, digital download | US: 17,000 |
Compilation albums
| Title | Details | Sales |
|---|---|---|
| Jessica Sanchez: Journey to the Finale | Release date: May 24, 2012 Label: 19 Formats: Digital download | US: 6,000 |
Singles
As lead artist
| Title | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| “Don’t Stop the Music” | 2009 | Non-album single |
| “Change Nothing” | 2012 | Non-album single |
| “Jump In” (with Apl.de.ap) | 2012 | Non-album single |
| “Tonight” (featuring Ne-Yo) | 2013 | Me, You & the Music |
| “Lead Me Home” | 2013 | Heartbeat of Home |
| “This Love” | 2014 | Non-album single |
| “Two Forevers” (with Christian Bautista) | 2015 | Kapit |
| “Call Me” | 2016 | Non-album single |
| “Stronger Together” | 2016 | Non-album single |
| “Caught Up” (with Ricky Breaker) | 2018 | Non-album single |
| “Millionaire” | 2018 | Non-album single |
| “Another Silent Christmas” (with Christian Bautista) | 2018 | Non-album single |
| “Love You” | 2019 | TBA |
| “A Whole New World” (with Leroy Sanchez) | 2019 | Non-album single |
| “Angels” | 2019 | TBA |
| “Us” | 2021 | TBA |
As featured artist
| Title | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| “Just You and Me” (Brandon Kane featuring Jessica Sanchez) | 2010 | Non-album single |
| “First Kiss” (Ne-Hy featuring Jessica Sanchez) | 2012 | Non-album single |
| “Vacation” (DJ Komori featuring Jessica Sanchez) | 2014 | Non-album single |
| “My Heart Goes” (Ricardo Padua featuring Jessica Sanchez) | 2015 | Non-album single |
Promotional recordings
| Year | Title | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | “I Will Always Love You” | Jessica Sanchez: Journey to the Finale |
| 2012 | “Turn the Beat Around” | Jessica Sanchez: Journey to the Finale |
| 2012 | “Everybody Has a Dream” | Jessica Sanchez: Journey to the Finale |
| 2012 | “Sweet Dreams” | Jessica Sanchez: Journey to the Finale |
| 2012 | “How Will I Know” | Jessica Sanchez: Journey to the Finale |
| 2012 | “Stuttering” | Jessica Sanchez: Journey to the Finale |
| 2012 | “Fallin'” | Jessica Sanchez: Journey to the Finale |
| 2012 | “Try a Little Tenderness” | Non-album single |
| 2012 | “Bohemian Rhapsody” | Non-album single |
| 2012 | “Dance with My Father” | Jessica Sanchez: Journey to the Finale |
| 2012 | “Proud Mary” | Jessica Sanchez: Journey to the Finale |
| 2012 | “You Are So Beautiful” | Non-album single |
| 2012 | “Steal Away” | Non-album single |
| 2012 | “Eternal Flame” (with Hollie Cavanagh) | Non-album single |
| 2012 | “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” | Jessica Sanchez: Journey to the Finale |
| 2012 | “My All” | Non-album single |
| 2012 | “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” | Jessica Sanchez: Journey to the Finale |
| 2012 | “I’ll Be There” | Non-album single |
| 2012 | “I Have Nothing” | Non-album single |
| 2012 | “The Prayer” | Non-album single |
Guest appearances
| Title | Year | Other artist(s) | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| “We Are the World 25 for Haiti (YouTube Edition)” | 2010 | 57 YouTube musicians | Non-album single |
| “Clarity” | 2013 | Glee cast | Glee: The Music, The Complete Season Four |
| “Wings” | 2013 | Glee cast | Glee: The Music, The Complete Season Four |
| “Hourglass” | 2013 | Zedd | iTunes Session |
| “The Night I Danced with You” | 2014 | Jencarlos Canela | Home of Heartbeat |
| “Beauty and the Beast” | 2017 | Matt Bloyd | Covers, Vol. 2 |
| “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” | 2019 | Matt Bloyd | King |
Music videos
| Title | Year | Other artist(s) | Director(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| “Jump In” | 2012 | Apl.de.ap | Marc Andre Debruyne |
| “Tonight” | 2013 | Ne-Yo | Justin Francis |
| “Lead Me Home” | 2013 | None | Unknown |
| “Vacation” | 2014 | None | Unknown |
| “This Love” | 2015 | None | Gabriel Valenciano |
| “Two Forevers” | 2015 | Christian Bautista | Unknown |
| “The Feeling” | 2016 | Leroy Sanchez | Ryan Parma |
| “Stronger Together” (Tracy Young Remix) | 2016 | None | Gus Black |
| “Beauty and the Beast” | 2017 | Matt Bloyd | Baxter Stapleton |
| “Caught Up” | 2018 | Ricky Breaker | Leandro Crease |
| “Another Silent Christmas Song” | 2018 | Christian Bautista | Unknown |
| “A Whole New World” | 2019 | Leroy Sanchez | Ryan Parma |
| “Us” | 2021 | None | Chris Ruel Chris Soriano |
Filmography
Television:
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | America’s Got Talent | Contestant | Wild card (season 1) |
| 2012–2014; 2016 | American Idol | Various | Contestant (season 11) Guest performer (season 12–13; 15) |
| 2013 | Glee | Frida Romero | 2 episodes |
Jessica Sanchez social media
https://www.instagram.com/jessicaesanchez/
