Idol 4 Finalist

Background:

“My definition of an American Idol is someone who is blessed with the opportunity to share with the world the beauty of music in their own unique way. They are also a role model to those who have their own hopes and dreams of becoming an American Idol, whether it be singing or any number of other various talents.” Jessica Sierra

American singer and songwriter Jessica Sierra rose to fame as the tenth-place finalist on the fourth season of the widely known TV show “American Idol” (2005), which established Ruben Studdard as the winner. She was eliminated after performing a song by LeAnn Rimes, “On the Side of Angels,” during 1990s week, on March 30, 2005. Sierra had previously audition for American Idol 2, but rejected. She also a finalist on the CBS show “Star Search” in 2004. In early 2007, the accomplished singer released a single titled “Unbroken,” but her attempt was cut short by a 2007 arrest at the South Tampa Hyde Park Cafe.

As for her romantic life, Sierra dated fellow “American Idol” 4 contestant Nikko Smith for several months. She confirmed on an April 2006 article that the relationship was ended shortly after New Year's.

Nanny

Childhood and Family:

Jessica Ann Sierra was born on November 11, 1985, in Tampa, Florida. She began singing at church at age 3. Prior to her national fame, Jessica worked as a nanny. She has been very close to her grandmother, whom she has named her American Idol. Her aunt is now the mayor of Tampa.

Unbroken

Career:

Jessica Sierra initiated her singing career when she was only little girl by singing in her church. As a teenager, she became part of a song and dance ensemble that performed for Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush and toured nationwide. Sierra always dreamed of becoming a star and in attempt to reach the goal, she tried her hand in talents contests. The former nanny auditioned for “American Idol” in the second season in 2003 and competed in a January 2004 episode of the CBS show “Star Search,” before hitting the big time as one of the finalist of “American Idol 4.”

A native of Tampa, FL, Sierra auditioned for the TV phenomenon in Orlando. Thanks to her furious determination, spitfire personality as well undeniable voice, she soon made a reputation for herself as one of the best singers in the competition and wowed audiences with such rendition as Phil Collins' “Against All Odds,” Martina McBride's “A Broken Wing” and Bonnie Tyler's “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” However, on March 30, 2005, during 1990s music week, she was eliminated after singing LeAnn Rimes' “On the Side of Angels.” She became the third finalist to be voted out of the show, which was tauted as having the highest ratings and the best singers of any past Idol season.

As Idol finalist, Sierra toured nationally with her fellow contestants, including appearances at the Coca-Cola 600, an extensive Simon Mall concert tour, and sold-out American Idol arena tours. She also participated in The American Idol Season 4 album, which includes songs from the top 12 Idol contestants, by singing “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” It has sold over 600,000 copies to date.

After Idol, in late 2006, Sierra recorded a song called “Unbroken” for Toys R Us Exclusive CD that came with the buy of a Sony CD player. The song was released as a single in early 2007. Sierra spent a time in Nashville, Tennessee where she penned and recorded with producer Nick Brophy, who has previously worked with The Rolling Stones, Avril Lavigne and Phil Vassar. The Verge Management artist also has written songs with Vassar's wife, Joy.

In April 2007, Sierra made headlines with her arrest in South Tampa's Hyde Park Cafe. She was accused for throwing a cocktail glass at another patron's head and striking him above the eye. According to a police spokeswoman, she was hostile and uncooperative when police arrested her. When she was transported to the Orient Road Jail, officers reportedly found a small amount of cocaine in her purse, but the 21-year-old singer denied that it was hers. Sierra was charged with intense battery with a deadly weapon (later reduced to felony battery), possession of cocaine and introduction of black-market into a detainment facility (later dropped). She was released in $11,500 bail.

Presented by noted Tampa attorney John Fitzgibbons, on July 2007, Sierra pleaded no guilty to both the ownership and battery charges.

“The way others see me is as a happy, confident, strong-willed woman, but in reality I am not as strong as I come off to most people. I have a lot of disappointment in my past, that I have always tried to overcome on my own using music as my only release. I have never been very open with people other than a very few close friends, so others have always seen me for what I have worked so hard to try to become. Whenever I walk into a room, people see me as an extremely confident person, yet if they only knew what I've had to overcome to get to this place in my life.” Jessica Sierra

Awards:
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