Growing up in the challenging environment of Brooklyn’s inner city, where violence was a constant presence both at home and in the neighborhood, music became a lifeline for a young girl battling suicidal thoughts. Through music, music artist Jeannie Ortega found solace and a purpose, sparking a dream to become a famous singer who could help others the way music had helped her. That dream began to take shape when a driver who also worked as a chauffeur for industry elites discovered her in a New York City taxi cab.
Signed to a major recording contract, her music quickly soared, earning gold radio success and a debut album that topped the Billboard Heat Seeker charts. She became the sole opening act for pop artist Rihanna’s international tour. Yet, despite achieving her dreams, she found herself broken and searching for deeper meaning. Her life changed forever when an invitation to a Christian church led to a profound encounter with the Holy Spirit, who filled her heart and set her on a new path toward faith and purpose.
She became a Christian artist, creating music to inspire both believers and non-believers. After a sabbatical, Jeannie is returning to Christian music. We spoke with her about her comeback, new music, and what lies ahead.
What event or circumstances prompted you to return to making music full-time?
After 10 years of working in the Christian media field, writing a book [What Is Happening to Me], having a child, and launching a ministry—Most High King Ministries—with my husband, I felt it was time to return to full-time music. I finally had a song to sing, and God's message was the power of letting go.
You recently performed at the Future Legacy event for the Dove Awards. Could you tell us about that experience?
It was beautiful to be embraced by the Dove Awards for The Future Legacy event. I got to share the stage with incredible musical world-changers impacting people in Christ. While at the Dove Awards, I was able to reconnect with many artists I had interviewed throughout the years, who likewise embraced me and my journey as a Christian entertainer.
You recently released a new full-length album. What was your inspiration when writing and producing the album? What themes did you cover?
My album, Letting Go, features themes that have kept me anchored throughout my journey in Christ. I talk about the reality that God, Yahweh, always shows up when we seek Him. I spoke about identity and how important it is to know that we are loved by God, to love ourselves, and to love others. I talk about family, marriage, and the struggles in marriage, but continuing to hope in God for your future. I share about disappointment and discouragement. Ultimately, I talk about releasing, letting go, surrendering everything, and trusting God with everything moving forward.
You have had great success in mainstream music. Do you plan to release a mainstream album? If so, what are your ideas?
I have no intention to make secular content, but of course, I would love for my inspirational content to be embraced in the mainstream world because the world needs hope in these times.
Who would you love to collaborate with in the future—Christian and mainstream?
I'd love to collaborate with pop icon Mariah Carey on a Christian project or a Christmas song. Her music was instrumental in saving my life before I knew Christ. Additionally, I love Christian artist Danny Gokey and his voice; we'd make a great team.
What are your plans for touring to promote your new album?
I plan to spend 2025 touring the new album and sharing its messages of hope, perseverance, surrender, and identity with the world. I have an RV in my driveway right now, and I can't wait to get out there and share Jesus's hope with anyone who will listen.
What’s next, and how can we pray for you?
Please pray for my future ventures. Pray that I will continue to be led by God and obedient to Him. Pray for protection as I travel. Pray for my family as we head out on the front lines to do God's work. Please support the music, my book, and the ministry in any way you can to advance the gospel in Jesus' name. Thank you so much.
Paul Phillips is a Canadian journalist with over 20 years of experience writing and editing digital and print content. He specializes in health, fitness, nutrition, and travel. He loves music, movies, and, of course, living for Jesus. [ChatGPT helped generate text for this article.]
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