History comes full circle as Filipino-American singing sensation Jessica Sanchez has officially been crowned the winner of “America’s Got Talent Season 20” on September 25, nearly two decades after first stepping onto the “AGT” stage as a 10-year-old hopeful during the show’s inaugural season. Audiences may also remember her from 2012, when she finished as the runner-up on “American Idol Season 11.”
Her journey back to the “AGT” arena began with a Golden Buzzer moment in the auditions, where she delivered a soaring cover of Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things,” leaving the judges and audience on their feet. But beyond the vocals, she captured the judges' hearts with her comeback story and revelation that she's expecting her first child. All these made her presence on the “AGT” stage so symbolic of talent and redemption, earning her Sofía Vergara’s Golden Buzzer and a direct ticket to the semi-finals.
In the semis, she dazzled once more with a heartfelt take on JVKE’s “Golden Hour.” It was, quite literally, a golden moment as the judges lauded her artistry and control, further cementing her spot as a frontrunner.
By the finals, Jessica is nine months pregnant, expecting a baby girl she’ll name Eliana. Yet even with the weight of motherhood just days away, she delivered a breathtaking rendition of Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga’s “Die With A Smile," which drew unanimous praise from the judges and sealed her spot in AGT history.
She clinched the title ahead of improv rapper Chris Turner, vocalist Jourdan Blue, the Leo High School Choir, and techno-dance group Light Wire.
The “AGT” stage may have been where Jessica completed her comeback story, but for many Filipinos, her journey has always been rooted closer to home. Here, she found her home on the "ASAP" stage where she became a recurring guest performer.
Here’s a look back at some of her "ASAP" appearances that showcased her world-class talent and how she’s always celebrated her Filipino heritage.
One of her most unforgettable "ASAP" collaborations was a 2018 vocal face-off with another Pinay making waves globally, Morissette Amon, where they took on Demi Lovato’s “Stone Cold.”
In "ASAP Live in Honolulu" in that same year, she teamed up with KZ Tandingan, Darren Espanto, Morissette, and Iñigo Pascual for a fun, high-energy number of “Uptown Funk,” serving full party mode on stage and showing she could let loose and groove just as hard as she could belt.
Back in 2014, she was invited to perform in the "ASAP Live in Los Angeles" show, where she took on Sia’s “Chandelier” and let her voice float through the high notes.
In that same concert, she serenaded the crowd with the Filipino love song “Ikaw” in a duet with the original artist Martin Nievera.
In 2014, she released her LSS-inducing pop single “This Love,” which she also performed live for the Pinoy audience, bringing her sleek international sound to the "ASAP" stage once again.
Her victory couldn’t have come at a more perfect time, with her life on the cusp of new beginnings both onstage and at home. And no matter where the spotlight takes her next, Jessica will sure carry her Pinoy roots with pride.