American Idol alum Jessica Sanchez drops new single, ‘Baddie’

Many might remember Jessica Sanchez as the American Idol runner-up who captured the hearts of millions as a 16-year-old with a big voice. Now, she’s all grown up and proving with her vocals, once again, that she genuinely is a baddie.

Baddie signals a new music era for the Filipino American singer-songwriter.

Speaking with CNN Philippines, Sanchez shared that the song is her first self-written music released to the public. Previously, her music catalog consisted of collaborations with other lyricists and composers.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Sanchez credits music as an outlet for expressing herself. “I’m so excited to share who I am through my music,” she said.

Regarding her compositions, Sanchez said it was a complicated process because many of the songs she has written are based on her personal feelings and struggles. Sanchez added that she did not have a chance to tap into her writing skills when she was younger because she was more focused on her singing.

“It has taken me years to release this music because I definitely was nervous and a little insecure about my writing,” Sanchez told CNN Philippines. “But now, I’m gonna release whatever I want because it is a part of who I am. It’s a part of how I feel.”

Baddie showcases a different side of Sanchez, and the song speaks volumes about women’s empowerment. She adds that confidence and knowing one’s worth are vital components of the track.

“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,” she said.

Even though over a decade has passed since she first rose to fame as a runner-up in the singing competition, the shadow of her past still looms over her.

Sanchez told ABS-CBN News that she did not properly experience her time on American Idol.

“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,” she said.

Sanchez wants everyone to know that her new music direction is vastly different from her previous releases from Idol, and she is fully embracing it. “I really do want people to get to know who Jessica really is, fully.”