Jax Biography

Jaclyn Cole Miskanic, professionally known as Jax, is a talented American singer-songwriter who rose to prominence during the fourteenth season of the iconic American singing competition series, American Idol. Her musical journey has been marked by notable achievements, including her debut entry onto the Billboard Hot 100 chart with her song "Victoria's Secret."

Born on May 5, 1996, Jax spent her early years in Atlantic Beach, New York, before her family relocated to East Brunswick, New Jersey, in 2005. Music had always been an integral part of her life, with Jax displaying her singing prowess from as early as age 5. Her family background was marked by dedication and service, as her father, John, served as a firefighter, and her mother, Jill, worked as a New York City school teacher.

Jax's passion for music led her to make a significant choice in her education. After attending East Brunswick Public Schools, she opted for homeschooling starting in eighth grade. This decision allowed her the flexibility to focus on voice lessons, performances, and recording sessions.

In 2014, Jax embarked on a musical journey that would ultimately change her life. She studied at New York University in London, where she was honored with the prestigious John Lennon Scholarship in songwriting through the BMI Foundation.

Her breakthrough came when she auditioned for the fourteenth season of American Idol, captivating the audience with her rendition of "I Want To Hold Your Hand" by The Beatles. Her journey on the show was marked by remarkable performances, including a standout rendition of Britney Spears' "Toxic" during Hollywood Week and a moving version of The Beatles' "Let It Be." Jax's talent and stage presence earned her a unique distinction as the only contestant out of 80 to be declared safe immediately after her performance.

Throughout her American Idol journey, Jax continued to impress the judges and audience alike, culminating in a memorable performance of Janis Joplin's "Piece of My Heart" with rock legend Steven Tyler during the show's season finale. Her remarkable journey on American Idol concluded with her finishing in third place.

Following her success on American Idol, Jax's career as a recording artist took flight. She released her first single, "Forcefield," shortly after the finale. This marked the beginning of her musical journey beyond the competition.

In July 2015, Jax embarked on the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2015 alongside the other top five contestants from the fourteenth season of American Idol. This tour allowed her to showcase her talents to fans across the country.

Jax's musical evolution continued as she released "La La Land" in January 2016. The song, accompanied by a captivating music video, drew inspiration from her experiences on American Idol.

In August 2016, Jax faced a personal battle when she revealed that she was battling thyroid cancer. Fortunately, she emerged victorious and has since been declared cancer-free.

Her musical journey continued with the release of the EP "Funny" in 2017, which earned her recognition by charting at number 17 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart.

In 2018, Jax received an invitation to perform at the White House's Independence Day celebration. While her decision stirred some controversy due to the political climate at the time, she defended her performance, emphasizing her commitment to honoring the troops and patriotism.

In January 2021, Jax achieved another milestone in her career by signing a record deal with Atlantic Records. This marked a significant step forward in her musical journey.

In October 2021, her song "Like My Father" made its debut on the Billboard Adult Pop Airplay chart, showcasing her continued growth as an artist.

Jax's creative endeavors expanded into the realm of TikTok, where she shared a dramatic reading of her ex-boyfriend's apology text messages after he cheated on her. This poignant reading, accompanied by music from Lindsey Stirling, resonated with countless fans, leading to the development of a TikTok series.

In 2022, Jax released "Victoria's Secret," a single that made an impact by charting at number thirty-five on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieving Gold certification in the United States. The song also found success in several international markets, including Australia, Ireland, Canada, Sweden, and New Zealand. Jax's artistry continued to evolve with her next single, " Cinderella Snapped."

Throughout her musical journey, Jax has demonstrated resilience, creativity, and a deep passion for her craft, earning her a place in the hearts of fans and a promising future in the music industry.