Jessica Sanchez talks about debut album, future plans

THE 16-YEAR-OLD singing sensation is set to make a multi-episode appearance in the next season of “Glee.” Photo from AMERICANIDOL.COM

LOS ANGELES—“American Idol” 2012 runner-up Jessica Sanchez recently gave us an idea on the kind of album she is currently doing for Interscope Records.

In an e-mail interview, the Filipino-Mexican-American sounded excited about her first album for the label, which boasts of a diverse list of talents, from Fil-Am Nicole Scherzinger, Far East Movement (which includes another Fil-Am, Virman Coquia), 50 Cent, Eminem, Robin Thicke, Lady Gaga to U2.

Jessica is looking forward to performing in the Philippines when the “Idol” concert tour makes its Manila stop on September 21 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The 16-year-old singing sensation is absolutely making waves. She’s set to make a multi-episode appearance in the next season of “Glee.” Below are excerpts of our interview:

How do you envision your first album?

It’s going to be more of urban and R&B, with a bit of pop. I can’t wait for everyone to hear that side of me.

Are you thinking of including a song that you wrote or will write?

I’m not much of a writer but I definitely want to get into co-writing. I don’t want to just be given songs. I need to have my inputs in them.

Who would you want to collaborate with, and why?

There’s a bunch of people! Eminem, Beyonce, Rihanna, Prince, Drake, etc. We’ll just see how that all works out, though.

How is Phillip Phillips since his surgery?

He’s doing great! I love him so much!

There’s a wonderful video of you as a young girl singing with other Filipino-American “Idol” finalists Jasmine Trias and Thia Megia.

Thia is my girl. I love her so much. She’s such a sweet, humble girl.

You are remarkably calm and poised for a 16-year-old going through all the pressure in the high-profile events you’ve performed in since the “Idol” finals, media interviews, etc. How do you stay cool in these situations that would otherwise faze most kids your age?

I’ve always been a really chill, calm, quiet person. And I kinda always told myself that this wasn’t going to be easy. I knew it was going be really stressful and a lot of work. So I’m ready for anything you wanna throw at me.

Everything must seem to be moving fast for you since the “Idol” finals. How do you relax amid this hectic lifestyle that you suddenly find yourself in?

Sleep, ha ha. I’m cool with the whole busy thing. I love being busy! This is the life I’ve always dreamt of. I’m working hard on my music to achieve my goals.

It has been reported that you will be doing a five-city solo concert tour in the Philippines in October, including one in Bataan, your mom’s hometown. Can you talk about that?

That was a rumor.

Can you also comment on reports that you will be the front act when Jennifer Lopez performs in a concert in the Philippines this year?

That was also a rumor.

You were quoted as saying that your future plans include going to college. How important is college education to you?

I was never an A+ student but I still understand that education is a big part of life. No matter what, college should always be accessible.

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