Background and Early Life:
Jessica Sanchez was born August 4, 1995 in Chula Vista, California. Her father is Mexican American and her mother is Filipina. Jessica Sanchez began singing at the age of 2. She began participating in singing competitions as a child.
Acclaim As a Singer:
Jessica Sanchez performed on the TV show Showtime At the Apollo at the age of 10. She received a standing ovation for singing Aretha Franklin's "Respect." At the age of 11 Jessica Sanchez competed on the first season of America's Got Talent. She made it to the semi-final round as a wildcard choice. In 2008 at the age of 13 Jessica Sanchez sang the national anthem before a San Diego Chargers football game.
Notable Performances:
- Showtime At the Apollo
- America's Got Talent
- "Love You I Do" on American Idol
- "I Will Always Love You" on American Idol
- "Dance With My Father" on American Idol
Jessica Sanchez On American Idol:
16 year old Jessica Sanchez emerged as one of the top contenders to win season 11 of American Idol when she received the only standing ovation from all three judges on her night of the semi-final round. Her performance of Whitney Houston's classic "I Will Always Love You" was hailed as one of the top American Idol performances of all time. With the competition narrowed to 7, the judges were shocked that Jessica Sanchez finished at the bottom in audience voting. They used their "save" to keep her in the competition. Jessica Sanchez has received support from a wide range of top singers on Twitter including Jennifer Hudson, Colbie Caillat, and Jesse McCartney.
