American Idol

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 gained attention as a finalist on the fourth season of the popular TV show “American Idol” (2005). She had previously auditioned for “American Idol,” but did not appear on the show until 2005. She was also a finalist on the CBS show “Star Search” in 2004. In early 2007, she released a single titled “Unbroken” and her first album was released in 2010, which was titled “Rebound.” From 2008 until 2010, Sierra appeared in several episodes of the television reality show “Celerity Rehab with Dr. Drew.”

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 is very close to her grandmother, whom she considers her “American Idol.”

Rebound

Career:

Jessica Sierra began singing in church as a child. 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 an attempt to reach that goal, competed in talents contests. The former nanny auditioned for “American Idol” during its 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” in season four (2005).

A native of Tampa, Sierra auditioned for the TV phenomenon in Orlando. Thanks to her determination, personality and good voice, she was considered one of the best singers in the competition and wowed audiences with such renditions 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, she was eliminated from the show after singing LeAnn Rimes' “On the Side of Angels.” However, as a finalist, Sierra toured nationally with the other contestants. She also participated in “The American Idol Season 4” album where she sang “Total Eclipse of the Heart.”

After “American Idol,” in late 2006 Sierra recorded a song called “Unbroken” for a Toys R Us CD that came with a Sony CD player. The song was released as a single in early 2007. Sierra then spent time in Nashville, Tennessee, where she wrote and recorded with producer Nick Brophy, who had previously worked with The Rolling Stones, Avril Lavigne and Phil Vassar.

In April 2007, Sierra made headlines with her arrest in south Tampa's Hyde Park Cafe. She was accused of throwing a glass at another patron. According to a police spokeswoman, Sierra was hostile and uncooperative when police arrested her. When she was transported to jail, officers reportedly found a small amount of cocaine in her purse, but she denied that it was hers.

In 2007 and 2008, Sierra also appeared in episodes of “Entertainment Tonight” and from 2008 until 2010, in episodes of the reality series “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew,” where celebrities deal with their addictions and substance abuse.

Awards:
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