Julie Anne Peñaflorida San Jose, born on May 17, 1994, is a Filipino singer and actress. She gained fame after participating in the reality singing contest Popstar Kids in 2005.

San Jose is a highly successful recording artist in the Philippines during the 2010s. She became the youngest person to receive the Diamond Record Award from the Philippine Association of the Record Industry for her 2012 album, "Julie Anne San Jose," which sold 150,000 copies in the country. Her achievements include winning two FAMAS Awards, five Awit Awards, three Myx Music Awards, four PMPC Star Awards for Music, and being inducted into the Eastwood City Walk of Fame in 2015.

She became well-known as an actress through her roles in many primetime and daytime dramas. San Jose starred in several GMA Network shows, including Kahit Nasaan Ka Man (2013), My Guitar Princess (2018), and Heartful Café (2021). She also appeared in ensemble soap operas such as Buena Familia (2015–2016) and the remake of the film Pinulot Ka Lang sa Lupa (2017). Her acting received further praise for her role in the primetime soap opera Maria Clara at Ibarra (2022–2023), a drama series inspired by the Filipino novel Noli Me Tángere by José Rizal, in which she played the modest character Maria Clara.

Early Life and Education

Born at San Bernardino Hospital in Novaliches, Quezon City, Julie Anne is the eldest of four siblings. Her father, Jonathan Roque San Jose, worked as a computer operator in Manila, while her mother, Marivic Camzon Peñaflorida, was an instructor from Marindique. Julie Anne attended Our Lady of Pagkabuhay Parochial School for her primary education before transferring to Sto. Niño de Novaliches School. She later pursued a degree in Communication Arts at UST Angelicum College, graduating in 2016.

Early Beginnings and Popstar Kids

Julie Anne’s passion for music was evident from a very young age. She started singing at just two and a half, with her mother enrolling her in the Center for Pop Music when she turned three. That same year, she appeared on the children’s television show Batibot.

Throughout her childhood, Julie Anne participated in several national talent competitions. She was first runner-up in Eat Bulaga!’s Little Miss Philippines in 1998 and placed third runner-up in Magandang Tanghali Bayan’s Munting Miss U. She also appeared in commercials, including one with Sharon Cuneta.

Julie Anne’s big break came in 2005 when she joined the singing competition Popstar Kids on QTV (now GTV). Though she didn’t win, she joined the child singing group Sugarpop, alongside her fellow finalists. Sugarpop released two studio albums and performed regularly on the variety show SOP, gaining a steady fanbase.

Rise to Stardom: 2010–2015

When SOP ended in 2010, Julie Anne joined Party Pilipinas, where her talents as a singer, dancer, and actress flourished. She was paired with Elmo Magalona, forming the popular duo “JuliElmo,” and starred in several musical shorts on the show. Her online cover of Nicki Minaj's "Super Bass" became a viral hit, further boosting her popularity.

Julie Anne’s first self-titled album, released in 2012 under GMA Records, was a massive success, earning her the distinction of being the youngest artist to receive a Diamond Record Award from the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI). The single "I'll Be There" became the first and only song in the Philippines to be certified quadruple platinum by PARI.

Beyond music, Julie Anne ventured into acting, taking on lead roles in television dramas like Together Forever and Kahit Nasaan Ka Man. She also starred in the film Just One Summer and headlined sold-out concerts at major venues such as the Music Museum and Mall of Asia Arena.

Her numerous accolades during this period include two FAMAS Awards, five Awit Awards, three Myx Music Awards, and four PMPC Star Awards for Music. In 2015, she was honored with a star on the Eastwood City Walk of Fame.

Continued Success and Artistic Growth: 2016–Present

Julie Anne continued to reach new heights with her subsequent albums, including Deeper (2014) and Chasing the Light (2016), both earning multi-platinum certifications. She expanded her repertoire by collaborating with international artists and participating in concerts abroad, such as the One-Asia Seoul Mega Concert in South Korea.

Her acting career thrived with notable roles in GMA Network dramas like Buena Familia, Pinulot Ka Lang sa Lupa, and My Guitar Princess. In 2022, she received widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Maria Clara in the hit historical drama Maria Clara at Ibarra, inspired by the Philippine literary classic Noli Me Tángere.

Julie Anne also excelled as a television host, leading shows such as Studio 7, All-Out Sundays, and the singing competition The Clash. Her music continued to dominate charts, with singles and albums consistently reaching No. 1 spots on iTunes Philippines and Spotify.

Advocacy and Personal Life

In addition to her artistic endeavors, Julie Anne serves as a Junior Ambassador for the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-Aawit (OPM) and is an active celebrity advocate for World Vision, promoting children’s welfare and education. In 2020, she was recognized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) as one of their new ambassadors for music.

Julie Anne has been open about her journey with mental health and self-care. She previously dated actor Benjamin Alves and is currently in a relationship with Rayver Cruz, her co-host on The Clash.

Controversy

In October 2024, Kapuso actress and singer Julie Anne faced criticism after a video circulated showing her singing ABBA's "Dancing Queen" in front of the altar during a church benefit concert at the Nuestra Señora Del Pilar Shrine in Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro. Despite this controversy, her reputation as one of the Philippines’ most respected and accomplished performers remains strong.