Jessica Sanchez's 'America's Got Talent' Win Proves She's Finally Living Her Full-Circle Moment
Published on Sep 25, 2025
Not all delays are rejections—sometimes, they're redirections to something greater. And for Filipina-American singer Jessica Sanchez, that "something" was being crowned champion of America's Got Talent (AGT) Season 20 after receiving the highest number of votes!
ICYMI, Jessica was officially declared the grand winner on Wednesday night (US time), capping off her journey with a breathtaking performance of fellow Filipino-American Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga's "Die With A Smile." At nine months pregnant, she delivered a moving and powerful rendition, proving that this moment was her time to shine.
In a heartfelt video capturing the finalists' families' reactions, Jessica’s mother, Edita, couldn’t hide her pride.
"I'm so very proud of her. That she is going after her dream again," Edita said.
As for her husband, Rickie Gallardo, he couldn't help but post this memorable moment on Instagram with the caption: "What can I say…. I’m a lucky guy."
Jessica Sanchez is Named Grand Winner of 'America's Got Talent'
Jessica's victory is a reminder that what's meant for you will always find its way. In her audition earlier this year, she revealed how personal this comeback was for her. She first auditioned on the first(!) season of America's Got Talent at just 10 years old, reaching the semifinals before elimination left her feeling burned out.
She later returned to the spotlight in Season 11 of American Idol in 2012, where she rose to fame and finished as runner-up to Phillip Phillips.
"Throughout the years, I kind of fell out of love [with] music because I was really young, and I was so swayed by what everybody wanted me to be, who they wanted me to be," Jessica admitted when she returned to America's Got Talent.
But time and resilience gave her clarity to pursue the dream once again.
"And so, you know, it took me, maybe it took me 20 years, but I know exactly who I am. I know exactly what I want. I'm excited to be back," she added.
Her return couldn't have been more triumphant. Jessica received the Golden Buzzer from Sofia Vergara and earned a standing ovation from judges Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, and Mel B.
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