Jessica Sanchez Returns to AGT, Earns Golden Buzzer and Global Praise

 Los Angeles – July 17, 2025

Filipino-American singer Jessica Sanchez made a triumphant return to the America’s Got Talent (AGT) stage, 20 years after her first audition as a 10-year-old wildcard contestant. Now 29, Sanchez stunned judges and audiences alike with her emotional rendition of “Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone, earning a Golden Buzzer from judge Sofia Vergara.

Before her performance, Sanchez shared her journey of rediscovering her passion for music after years of self-doubt and industry pressure. “Maybe it took me 20 years, but I know exactly who I am, I know exactly what I want,” she said.

Her comeback was made even more memorable by a personal revelation: she is pregnant with her first child with husband Rickie Gallardo, whom she married in 2021. Vergara, visibly moved, embraced Sanchez on stage and praised the “magic” of her performance, calling it a “special moment” worthy of celebration.

All four judges—Simon Cowell, Mel B, Howie Mandel, and Vergara—gave her a standing ovation. Cowell called her an “absolute star,” while Mel B described her voice as “angelic.”

Sanchez first rose to fame as the runner-up on American Idol Season 11 in 2012 and later appeared on Glee. Her debut album Me, You & the Music featured collaborations with Ne-Yo and other top artists. In recent years, she’s released a string of singles and EPs, blending pop, soul, and worship influences.

Her AGT return marks a new chapter in her career—one defined by authenticity, resilience, and renewed artistry.