The runner-up on "American Idol"'s 11th season, Jessica Sanchez is a big-voiced singer in the mold of Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.

The daughter of a Mexican-American navy veteran father and a Filipina mother, Sanchez was born and raised in Chula Vista, California, and she began singing at the age of 2. By age 10, she was competing in national singing competitions and talent shows including "Showtime at the Apollo" and "America's Got Talent."

At age 16, Sanchez auditioned for "American Idol," ultimately finishing as the runner-up to Phillip Phillips. During her season of "Idol," Sanchez earned praise from the judges for her performances of Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" (written by Dolly Parton), Billy Joel's "Everybody Has a Dream," and Beyonce's "Sweet Dreams."

In 2013, Sanchez released her debut album, Me, You & the Music, which featured guest appearances from Ne-Yo and Prince Royce. That same year, she starred on "Glee" and was featured on a re-recording of "Hourglass" by Zedd.

In 2015, Sanchez released the single "This Love" and released her first Christmas album, the Christmas with Jessica EP.

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