Nineteen year-old Rochester resident Jillian Jensen began singing when she was two years-old, started learning several musical instruments at seven and composed her own music when she was eight.

She has since written over one hundred songs, released two albums and made an appearance on “Live with Regis and Kelly.”

“I just want to be able to provide for myself by utilizing music,” Jensen said. “I don’t want to sit in an office and work nine to five – that’s never been a dream of mine.”

Jensen now plays a number of instruments including the guitar, piano, saxophone, violin, drums, bass and ukulele.

These days, she is traveling all over the country performing with a wedding events band. In her most recent travels she went to Florida and California.

Jensen said that her inspiration for music came from her parents.

“Well, my mom’s a vocal coach so you can imagine… But my dad forced me to listen to Johnny Cash, which sparked my interest in country music,” she said. “My style is definitely consequence from the artists my dad used to make me listen to as a child. Now it’s actually a mix between country, indie, and light rock”

Jensen said she feels blessed to have had as many opportunities so early into her career.

Jensen was a member of the local, girl group The Varsity Girls. The girls wrote a song entitled “Be You” that made it to the top seven on Fun 107 radio for several weeks.

Then she met Regis.

After leaving the girl group, Jensen sang back up for lead Pussy Cat Doll and X-Factor judge, Nicole Scherzinger on “Live with Regis and Kelly.”

She has also auditioned twice for "American Idol."

“I auditioned for 'American Idol' first when I was 16 years-old and again this summer,” Jensen said. “I actually auditioned this time around with two other people, my boyfriend, Collen Van Pelt, and his sister, Erika Van Pelt. Erika’s actually made it to the top 24!”

While she said that her career has been growing steadily, her musical interests did not make for an easy upbringing.

In the 7th grade Jensen said that she was severely bullied which resulted in her leaving school to be home-schooled and to begin therapy.

“When I was 14 years-old I released my first album which had five songs on it,” she said. “It was entitled ‘Reflections.’ A lot of it had to do with experiences with bullying. My song meanings were very subliminal at the time. It was hard for me to be open about my experiences and let everyone in on it.”

Jensen said she believes, “Success is the greatest revenge.”

She said that she overcame her traumatic experience through music. By putting her emotions into song lyrics, Jensen said she believes music is really what kept her alive.

“My second album was called ‘Story of my Life,’” Jensen said. “When I came out with this album I was still experimenting and really figuring out what I want to do with my music.”

Last month, Jensen came home to Rochester to perform for the fourth Annual ORCTV Telethon. Jensen sang a cover of Maroon 5’s “She will be loved,” as well as a one of her own tracks.

“I just want to perform and have the opportunity to share what I love with as many people as I can,” she said. “I want to get my songs out there and hopefully someone will listen and understand what I was feeling at that moment.”

To learn more about Jillian Jensen, visit www.jillianjensen.weebly.com, www.facebook.com/jillianjensenofficial, and www.youtube.com/jillianjensen1.