Jacob Hoggard is a Canadian former musician, best known as the lead vocalist of the band Hedley and a finalist on Canadian Idol. However, his career took a dark turn due to legal issues that led to his conviction.

Quick Bio

Full Name	Jacob William Hoggard
Birthdate	July 9, 1984 (40 years old)
Birthplace	Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Nationality	Canadian
Profession	Singer, Songwriter, Carpenter
Famous For	Lead Singer of Hedley, Canadian Idol Finalist
Net Worth	$300 Thousand
Height	5 feet 9 inches (175 cm)
Marital Status	Married

Early Life and Education

Jacob Hoggard was born on July 9, 1984, in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. He grew up in Surrey, where he developed a passion for music at an early age. Hoggard attended Senator Reid Elementary School and L.A. Matheson Secondary School.

Although he was not formally trained in music, he taught himself to play the guitar and piano. His love for rock music inspired him to write songs and perform locally, which later led him to pursue a career in the Canadian music industry.

Rise to Fame: Canadian Idol Journey

In 2004, Jacob Hoggard auditioned for Canadian Idol, a reality singing competition. His unique voice and stage presence impressed both the judges and the audience. Despite facing tough competition, he made it to the top three before being eliminated.

Although he didn’t win, his time on Canadian Idol brought him nationwide recognition, opening doors for him in the music industry. Shortly after, he formed his band, Hedley, which became one of the most popular pop-rock bands in Canada.

Hedley: The Band That Made Him Famous

Formation and Early Success

After Canadian Idol, Jacob Hoggard formed the band Hedley in 2004. The band’s name came from a small town in British Columbia. The original members left, and Hoggard reformed the band with new musicians.

Their self-titled debut album, “Hedley” (2005), became a huge hit, with singles like “On My Own” and “Trip” gaining massive radio play. The band’s energetic performances and catchy songs made them a fan favorite.

Continued Success and Hit Albums

Over the next decade, Hedley released multiple albums, including:

• “Famous Last Words” (2007)
• “The Show Must Go” (2009)
• “Storms” (2011) – Won Juno Award for Best Pop Album
• “Wild Life” (2013)
• “Hello” (2015)
• “Cageless” (2017)

Their songs, such as “Perfect,” “Never Too Late,” and “Anything,” topped the charts, making them one of Canada’s biggest rock bands.

Sexual Assault Allegations and Conviction

In 2018, multiple women came forward accusing Jacob Hoggard of sexual misconduct. This led to an extensive police investigation.

Legal Proceedings and Trial

• In 2018, Hoggard was arrested and charged with sexual assault involving two women.
• He pleaded not guilty but faced trial in 2022.
• In June 2022, he was convicted of one count of sexual assault and sentenced to five years in prison.
• In 2023, he was released on bail pending appeal.

These allegations and his conviction led to Hedley’s indefinite hiatus, with other band members distancing themselves from him.

Jacob Hoggard’s Personal Life

Relationships and Marriages

Jacob Hoggard has been in several relationships throughout his life.

• First Marriage: He was married to Tamara Jaber, an Australian singer, but they later divorced.
• Current Wife: In 2018, he married Rebekah Asselstine, a Canadian actress and voice artist.

His personal life has remained under public scrutiny, especially after the legal controversies.

Jacob Hoggard’s Net Worth

Before his legal troubles, Jacob Hoggard was one of Canada’s most successful musicians. However, due to legal battles, canceled tours, and lost endorsements, his net worth has significantly decreased.

Estimated Net Worth

• As of 2024, his net worth is around $300,000.
• This is a major drop compared to his peak years when he earned millions from music and tours.

His financial decline is largely due to legal expenses and loss of career opportunities.

What is Jacob Hoggard Doing Now?

After his conviction and release on bail, Jacob Hoggard has stayed out of the public eye. His music career is effectively over, and he has not made any official public statements regarding his future.

While some sources suggest he might pursue carpentry (a skill he had before music), there is no confirmation of his next steps.

Legacy and Public Perception

Jacob Hoggard’s legacy is complicated. While he was once celebrated as a Canadian music star, his criminal conviction has overshadowed his achievements.

• Many fans have distanced themselves from him.
• Hedley’s music is no longer as widely played.
• His reputation remains damaged due to legal issues.

Despite his past success, his downfall has been one of the most shocking in Canadian music history.

Final Thoughts on Jacob Hoggard

Jacob Hoggard went from being a rising star on Canadian Idol to the lead singer of a hit band. However, his criminal conviction has left his career in ruins.

While he once had a promising future in the music industry, his legal troubles have changed everything. Whether he will return to public life or remain out of the spotlight is yet to be seen

Conclusion

Jacob Hoggard’s journey from a Canadian Idol finalist to the lead singer of Hedley was filled with success and fame. However, his career took a drastic fall due to serious legal troubles that led to his conviction. Once celebrated as a rock star, he is now known for his criminal actions, which have overshadowed his musical achievements.

With his music career over and his public image tarnished, his future remains uncertain. Whether he will ever return to the public eye or choose a completely different path is yet to be seen. Regardless, his story serves as a reminder of how fame can be lost in an instant due to personal choices and consequences.

FAQs

Who is Jacob Hoggard?
Jacob Hoggard is a Canadian former musician, best known as the lead singer of Hedley and a finalist on Canadian Idol.

What happened to Jacob Hoggard?
He was convicted of sexual assault in 2022 and sentenced to five years in prison. He was later released on bail pending appeal.

What is Jacob Hoggard’s net worth?
As of 2024, his net worth is estimated at $300,000, significantly lower than during his music career.

Is Jacob Hoggard still making music?
No, after his legal issues and conviction, his music career ended, and he has stayed out of the public eye.

Who is Jacob Hoggard married to?
Jacob Hoggard is married to Rebekah Asselstine, a Canadian actress and voice artist.

Why did Hedley break up?
Following multiple sexual misconduct allegations against Jacob Hoggard, the band went on an indefinite hiatus in 2018.

Where is Jacob Hoggard now?
Since his release on bail, he has remained private, and there is no confirmed information about his future plans.

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