More than a decade after her breakout as a teenager, Jacquie Lee is stepping back onto the national stage with a familiar dream and a new sense of purpose. The former “The Voice” runner-up from 2013 is appearing on “American Idol” Season 24, which premiered on Monday, January 26.
Jacquie Lee Returns to the Stage More Than a Decade Later
Now 28, Lee shared the news in a recent Instagram post, calling the moment a meaningful return to the stage that once launched her career.
She was only 16 when audiences first met her on “The Voice,” where her powerful vocals and emotional performances quickly set her apart from the competition.
“One thing that hasn’t ever changed about me is that I have ALWAYS been a dreamer,” Lee wrote.
“In this chapter of life, I like to remind myself that what a lot of people don’t see is the beneath the surface work and resilience.”
Jacquie Lee’s Journey on ‘The Voice’
Lee competed on Season 5 of “The Voice,” finishing as runner-up behind eventual winner Tessanne Chin.
Her Blind Audition of Amy Winehouse’s “Back to Black” earned chair turns from Christina Aguilera and Blake Shelton, with Lee ultimately choosing Aguilera as her coach.
The pairing developed into a strong creative partnership that carried her through the competition.
She advanced steadily through the Battle Rounds, Knockouts, and Live Shows, consistently securing enough public votes to remain in the race.
Lee reached the finale alongside Tessanne Chin and Will Champlin, where she earned the second-highest vote total following her final performances.
Her season is still remembered as one of the most impressive teen runs in the show’s history.
Life After ‘The Voice’ and Her Music Career
After her run on “The Voice,” Lee quietly continued building her career as an independent artist, choosing growth over instant fame.
She released her debut EP, “Broken Ones,” in October 2014, followed by five additional EPs between 2017 and 2024.
Over the years, she has stayed connected to fans through original music, covers shared on social media, and live performances.
In 2021, Lee also appeared on “Riverdale,” lending her voice to Tiera Skovbye’s character, Polly Cooper.
As she prepares to step onto the “American Idol” stage, Lee has reflected on the personal evolution that has led to her return.
“In this chapter of life, I like to remind myself that what a lot of people don’t see isbeneath-the-surfacerface work and resilience,” she wrote. “All of the rejection, searching, learning, failing, existential crises it takes along the journey of manifesting your dreams.”
Songwriting, Personal Life, and a New Chapter
GettyLee has long made it clear that songwriting sits at the heart of her identity as an artist, a stance she held even during her earliest days of fame.
“I didn’t want people to see me as a cover artist or a character from a TV show. I have something to say — I write my own music and I’m an actual artist,” she told The Hollywood Reporter in 2014, describing her work as “real, honest, and raw.”
Away from the stage, Lee is entering a new chapter in her personal life as well.
She is engaged to filmmaker Nicholas Jandora, who shared footage of his beachside proposal in December 2024, simply captioning the moment, “I’m in love.”
As she prepares to step back into the national spotlight on “American Idol,” Lee views the opportunity as something deeper than competition.
“Regardless of what happens – I am truly grateful to be able to heal my inner child through reclaiming my voice and never giving up🖤 You’ve always got time,” she wrote.
“American Idol” returned for its 24th season on January 26, 2026, airing on ABC with Ryan Seacrest hosting and Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood serving as judges.
