Jessica Sanchez, Record Deal: 'American Idol' Runner-up Finds a Label Home

Posted on Jul 2nd 2012 2:15PM by Contessa Gayles

Jessica Sanchez Record Deal Ronald Martinez, Getty Images

Despite coming up just short on the eleventh season of "American Idol," runner-up Jessica Sanchez has landed a record deal! And not just any old record deal -- the 16-year-old singing sensation will be joining her former competitor, first-place winner Phillip Phillips, on Interscope Records.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the prodigy child was recruited by "Idol" mentor and Interscope executive Jimmy Iovine for the deal. The as-yet untitled album is due out in October and will reportedly swap the singer's go-to power-ballad performance pieces from the show for more urban-leaning tracks.

The pint-sized diva beat the odds to ink the deal, unlike previous "Idol" runner-ups. Season 11 marked the first time in the singing competition's history that the second-place finalist would not be guaranteed a record deal by the show's producers. Previous seasons had promised an advance of at least $175,000.

News of Jessica's recording contract follow recent rumors that Sanchez has already landed a role on the upcoming fourth season of "Glee." New music, a possible new acting gig and this summer's American Idols LIVE! Tour -- Jessica's about to be one busy girl!

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Filed under: Hot Off the Press

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Nea

I'm happy for her. She's only 16 years old. Wishing her the best.
GOD BLESS JESSICA!!!!!!!!

July 07 2012 at 8:46 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

RealCountry

When is this POS show going to die? It has ruined the music world and lowered the bar to ankle-level for talent.

July 06 2012 at 1:21 PM Report abuse Permalink -1 rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to RealCountry's comment

RealCountry

Better yet, when are the sheeple that watch this garbage going to wake up and realize they like getting their nose shoved in the ****?

July 06 2012 at 1:22 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Sekinu2

I have no idea how she made it past the top 40. She is basically tone deaf. Pretty hot but singing is not her thing for sure. It does reenforce though that people vote as a joke or gaga fro idol singers as the best were gone to soon and the top 5 did not belong on a stage Phillip the exception but he was not the best by a long shot.

July 06 2012 at 11:01 AM Report abuse Permalink -1 rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to Sekinu2's comment

RealCountry

If Taylor Swift can get a record deal, she can too.

July 06 2012 at 1:18 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

miclevent

ONE OF THE BEST NEW MALE VOCALIST http://youtu.be/yNvrCXqJAkY TWITTER @mykelvocalking

July 06 2012 at 3:09 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

miclevent

ONE OF THE BEST NEW MALE VOCALIST http://youtu.be/yNvrCXqJAkY TWITTER @mykelvocalking

July 06 2012 at 3:09 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

miclevent

ONE OF THE BEST NEW MALE VOCALIST http://youtu.be/yNvrCXqJAkY TWITTER @mykelvocalking

July 06 2012 at 3:09 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

luvnlife

hands down Jessica deserves all thegreat & amazing opportunities after AI. She most certainly earned them..She was given the most challenging songs, she worked hard to make it her own & each single 1 was amazing & phenomenal.She gave us the most memorable of season 11 by her awesome rendition of Whitney's " I Will Always Love You". She's proven herself to be versatile on AI although some may have perceived it as copying. I call it talent. She was able sing top artists' songs from Whitney to Beyonce, Mariah, Jennifer Holiday & they were all mind blowing.I have no doubt her urban, hip hop, R&B , whichever she chooses to do will be beyond amazing.More power to this beautiful 16 yr old girl. Enjoy the ride Jessica, stay sweet & humble!

July 05 2012 at 9:34 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to luvnlife's comment

Sekinu2

The issue is she is tone def and can not hold a note or stay in key..Again shes hot enough but vocally she is like someone with a stubbed toe and lyrangitist.

July 06 2012 at 11:03 AM Report abuse Permalink -1 rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to Sekinu2's comment

Nea

Sekinu2 OMG you're stupid!! that's why she got a record contract because she's talented.. You so jealous on her..

July 07 2012 at 8:25 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down

sleekcsg26

Looks like this girl is gonna "have it all"! She's already a powerhouse, versatile and soulful, smooth vocal abilities at 16! Just keeps on getting better and better. Not to mention hardworking young girl. She does almost everything they throw at her in the show, remember? That shows RESPECT, TRUE Humility, Courage and REAL Talent. Not accepting counsel from seasoned pros/managers can be a sign of disrespect - definitely NOT "original" . Disregarding wise counsel is never good. I'm so happy for her because she definitely earned it. I hope other REAL talented contestants will do great as well.

July 05 2012 at 4:00 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to sleekcsg26's comment

RealCountry

Have you ever had your ears flushed out sleekcsg26?

July 06 2012 at 1:19 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Dolores

I hope she has her teeth fixed.

July 04 2012 at 7:50 AM Report abuse Permalink -4 rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to Dolores's comment

LS1952

She will. Once she start making money.

September 18 2012 at 5:01 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

passion8lypurple

yawn. she is soooooo boring...

July 04 2012 at 12:17 AM Report abuse Permalink -2 rate up rate down Reply

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