Two decades after first stepping onto the America’s Got Talent stage as a 10-year-old semifinalist, Filipino-American singer Jessica Sanchez returned in full force—and earned herself a Golden Buzzer.
Now 29, the American Idol alum stunned the AGT audience and judges with her powerful version of Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things,” prompting a standing ovation from the entire panel: Sofia Vergara, Simon Cowell, Mel B, and Howie Mandel. Vergara sealed the emotional moment by pressing the Golden Buzzer.
“It’s so amazing that we are celebrating the 20th anniversary, the 20th season of AGT. You are here again after 20 years, you are pregnant. You are so beautiful; you are so ready to do all this… This was a special moment, and I think that you deserve this,” Vergara said before confetti rained on stage.
Sanchez, now married and expecting her first child, opened up about the struggles she faced after her early fame. “I was so swayed by what everybody wanted me to be, who they wanted me to be. And so, maybe it took me 20 years, but I know exactly who I am. And I know exactly what I want. I’m excited to be back,” she shared.
Judge Howie Mandel praised her comeback, saying it was “well worth the wait,” while Mel B was left speechless, calling her performance “the voice of a bloody angel.”
Cowell, who saw Sanchez grow up in the spotlight, commended her resilience and passion. “To succeed, you have to have real determination and talent… it was like power; you are an absolute star,” he said backstage.
Sanchez previously placed second in American Idol Season 11 in 2012 and released her debut album “Me, You & the Music” the following year. She also had a guest role in the musical TV show Glee.
