by Robert Requintina, Manila Bulletin
Fil-Am artist Jessica Sanchez has established her solid fan base here in the Philippines after she wowed the international market when she emerged as runner-up in the eleventh season of “American Idol” in 2012.
During a Zoom with the entertainment press, Sanchez revealed that she’s still in touch with her batch mates in “American Idol.”
“We do talk once in a while. Back then we were also young, and we were like one family. Now we’re a lot older, and that was 10 years ago? We do still get in touch. Not as often, but we still get in touch,” she said.
Asked to give advice to aspiring singers, Sanchez said: “Continue to work hard. Don’t let those struggles stop you because they will gonna come. Just keep pushing through, and you will see the change. Not only in your growth, but also in your career.”
Even when she was younger, Sanchez’s dreams were always in music. Successfully joining “American Idol” was perhaps something that Sanchez fervently aspired for more than a decade ago. “There was never anything else I wanted to do, and I made sure there were no distractions.”
“American Idol,’ that’s just so crazy to me. It all happened so fast, and I was so young then.“I feel like I couldn’t really experience it fully, mentally and emotionally. But I believe everything happens for a reason and at God’s timing. I am so grateful for all that I’ve experienced and all that I’ve done since ‘Idol.’
“I know I still have much to learn, and I’m still growing in my artistry, so I’m just excited to continue this journey.”
Recently, Sanchez released her latest, “Baddie,” which she also penned with a friend. “We were really just having fun with the song and the first lyric that came to mind was ‘You got a baddie’,” she shared.
“The song is all about being confident, knowing who you are, what you want, and your worth. Of course, there’s a little love dynamic going on, but it’s really about the confidence you carry.
“Anyone can be a baddie, but the main thing to being a baddie is embracing who you are, flaws and all, and walking into any situation with that confidence and sense of worth.
”As far as her original music is concerned, Jessica has written so many songs based on personal experiences and feelings.“I’m so excited to share who I am through my music,” she insisted.
“I can be kind of a quiet and awkward person, so it’s hard for me to express myself fully. Thank God, I have music to use as an outlet and way of expression.“You guys are definitely going to see and hear a new side of me that you haven’t heard before. I hope you guys enjoy getting a little peek into my mind and life.”
