‘American Idol’ Alum Jessica Sanchez Shares Life Update & Returns to Her Roots

“American Idol” season 11 runner-up Jessica Sanchez has made a lot of changes in her life since experiencing major success at a young age. “Back then, music felt like a job,” she shared with The San Diego Union Tribune. “Now, I’m at a place where music feels like something I’m blessed to be able to do.”

Sanchez, who appeared on “America’s Got Talent” at age 10 and took second place on “American Idol” at age 16, is now married and expecting her first child. “I’m completely different now,” Sanchez said. “I’ve grown, I’ve matured and know who I am as an artist and young woman.”

The singer’s musical taste has changed a bit since her teen years as well. She has since become more devoted to her Christian faith, and her playlists reflect that. 

“When I’m driving somewhere or cleaning at home, I mostly listen to worship music,” Sanchez, 29, revealed. “I’m singing along and praising the Lord in my kitchen and the car.”

Jessica Sanchez’s Early Success

The singer wowed audiences and the judges with her strong vocals when she appeared on “AGT” in 2006. Although Sanchez had competed in local singing competitions before, the talent she saw on the show made her want to step up her game. “I was an over-confident little girl and I was ready to show them,” she explained.

Sanchez was eliminated in the semifinals, but made a triumphant return to TV when she made it all the way to the finals on “American Idol.” She consistently impressed the judges, but it was Phillip Phillips who won the season. 

Still, Sanchez enjoyed much success following the show, singing at the White House for President Obama in 2012 and again at the Democratic National Convention in 2016. She also guest-starred on “Glee” and released her debut album, “Me, You & The Music” in 2013. 

Jessica Sanchez Is Set to Return to ‘AGT’

After achieving a certain amount of fame, Sanchez decided to take a step back from the music business. “Being so young, I sort of got lost in the business a little and I kind of fell out of love with music for a while,” she shared. 

The singer continued, “I felt like music became a job where there were requirements I had to meet as a woman in the industry — and as a Filipino woman in the industry — and that there were standards I had to meet.”

But now Sanchez has fully come into her own, and she is ready to show the world what she’s made of (again). The singer will return as a contestant on “AGT” July 15, ready to impress. “I’m excited to do this familiar thing in such a different way. I’ve done it before, but it feels brand new,” she said.