Quotes from Jessica Sanchez

On 'Idol,' you have to show off your vocal abilities, so I stuck to the ballads, so I'm glad my first single is 'Tonight' so I can show off my fun, young side, and what I want to do as an artist.

On 'Idol,' I understood that everyone wanted to hear my vocals, so I stuck with the ballads.

I do sing ballads, but I'm not a balladeer. I'm not the next Celine Dion.

I grew up singing ballads, but what I really wanted to get into was the mainstream music on the radio because I really love the beats and everything.

It was crazy... working with Ne-Yo. Everything was such a blur, and I was just a fangirl the whole time.

I don't speak Filipino or Spanish, but I've sung in both.

I personally love J.Lo because she's a fashion icon and I love her music.

I wanna be more like the Rihanna kind of, Beyonce kind of thing, but I don't want to compare myself to anybody, because I wanna be somebody new, too.

I grew up always wanting to be a part of 'Idol,' and I never thought I would make it as far as I did. I was really lucky, and it's given me the opportunities that I have now.

I listen to music when I'm feeling down or just a certain way. I don't know what I'd do without it!

I'm playing a powerhouse singer who is big competition, but she's also really down to earth and sweet. But the whole sweet thing goes away when she's in competition mode. I love the show, so I'm very excited to be a part of it. I'm going to kill it on 'Glee!'

I have always wanted to do a Christmas album and covers.

'American Idol' is such a big platform. It's been on for so many seasons. I went on the show not thinking I was going to make it that far at all because there was so many talented people that auditioned.

'Idol' was more of a competition, and that was more of a platform that I wanted to get a hold of and get on top of. And I finally got that opportunity, and now it's more like, I just gotta show and prove myself to everybody that I'm not just the 'balladeer.'

I was born in America, but I consider myself a Filipino.

I always make a wish at 11:11, even if it's something cheesy.

It's important to work hard, stay humble, and not let the criticism or the compliments go to your head.

I play volleyball on the beach. It's a great way to work out and have fun.

Even though it was a stressful time in my life, I have a lot of good memories from my Idol experience.

Music has always been a huge part of my life.

I know when to have fun, but when it comes to my music, I'm really serious about my career.

I have a picture with Obama in my house, and I freak out every time I see it. I'm like, 'What the heck? Did that even happen?' It's like a dream.

I am a workaholic. I like to work, work, work.

I'm very blessed and appreciative of everything that's happened, and I'm just working hard for more opportunities to come.