Jessica Sanchez

From Melinda Doolittle to Pia Toscano, these eliminated finalists deserved MUCH better.

Jessica Sanchez was the runner-up on Season 11 of 'American Idol,' losing to Phillip Phillips, who has gone on to have a platinum-plus career on the back of his coronation single 'Home.' Sanchez is not lagging behind, though. On April 30, she is set to release her dance-oriented debut, 'Me, You & the Music,' a beat-drenched record that is much younger and groovier than what we saw from her on

In the months since concluding her stint on the show, former 'American Idol' runner-up Jessica Sanchez has had to patiently wait for her turn at the spotlight while winner Phillip Phillips saw his career take off -- but with her debut album around the corner and a 'Glee' appearance in the works, she's ready for her time to shine.

Jessica Sanchez got her start on Season 11 of 'American Idol,' placing second. She has a diva's voice a la Mariah or Beyonce, but she's going the dance pop route on her first single 'Tonight,' featuring Ne-Yo.

Jessica Sanchez was the runner up on Season 11 of 'American Idol,' losing to Phillip Phillips last May. Sanchez is a belter, but for her first single, 'Tonight,' featuring Ne-Yo, the singer has gone in a more dance-pop direction.

Jessica Sanchez and apl.de.ap have just released their new video for their latest song 'Jump In,' which features an empowering and upbeat message.

Jessica Sanchez and Deandre Brackensick competed on Season 11 of 'American Idol,' yet neither took home the crown (though Sanchez did come pretty close, as the runner up). Their consolation prize is better than winning the title, actually. The duo found love on the show and are currently dating. Aw! What a cute (and incredibly talented) pair these two make.

Though she lost out to Phillip Phillips on 'American Idol,' Jessica Sanchez is still pretty victorious everywhere else. Following her recent record deal and rumors of a role on 'Glee,' the teen phenom is up for the lead role in the film adaptation of 'Miss Saigon.'

She may have lost 'American Idol,' but Jessica Sanchez gained a record deal.

We already knew that Season 4 of 'Glee' would offer plenty of changes, with much of the cast graduating and moving on to college. Now comes word from TV Line that 'American Idol' runner-up Jessica Sanchez could join the show for multiple episodes.