American Idol alum Jessica Sanchez returns to America’s Got Talent after 20 years. She drops BIG news and gets Sofia Vergara’s Golden Buzzer!
American Idol season 11 runner-up Jessica Sanchez is giving singing competitions another whirl. Actually, the now 29 year old vocalist got her start on America’s Got Talent season one, as a 10 year old, where she didn’t get very far in the competition. However, she eventually made her name as the big voiced American Idol contestant who managed to come in second on season 11 after the judges panel saved her earlier in the competition.
Now, after 20 years, Jessica has returned to AGT to sing in front of a completely different set of judges, drop some BIG news, and receive a huge gift from Sofia Vergara. Jessica’s audition airs on NBC Tuesday July 15.
Jessica’s video package features clips from her first go round. “It was a whole different world,” she says. In a clip from 2006, the young Jessica shyly explains that she came to sing, “and to win this competition.” Jessica admits that she it was devastating to leave the show at the semi-finals. “AGT was the beginning of that fire that was sparked inside of me,” she says.
No mention of American Idol, Glee, work with the Democrats
Simon Cowell asked what happened after her elimination. And she describes competing on American Idol….Ha ha ha. Just kidding. She skips right over that milestone. Her stint on Idol in 2012 is the reason why America knows who she is. Would she be returning to AGT otherwise? AGT did not even air her audition at the time. But ok. By the way, after her time on American Idol she guest starred on Glee and made several high profile appearances, including at the Democratic National Convention in 2012 and 2016. She sang the convention theme song, “Stronger Together,” for Hillary Clinton.
Having said that, it is true after that initial post-Idol burst, her career floundered. At only 16 years old, she hadn’t yet figured out who she was as an artist. She shared in an interview with the San Diego Union Tribune, “I felt like music became a job where there were requirements I had to meet as a woman in the industry — and as a Filipino woman in the industry — and that there were standards I had to meet. You go through a lot of rejection. And being a woman, I feel it is a little bit harder. I was falling into insecurity and I had to take a step back and figure out who I was.”
“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,” she explains to the judges. “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.”
Jessica Sanchez is MARRIED and PREGNANT
“Good,” says Simon Cowell. “You know your lane now.” And big news: Jessica announces that she is not only MARRIED, but PREGNANT. Oh boy. Baggy sweater explained! Congratulations. Simon gushes that it’s the “best thing that can ever happen in your live, ever.” Jessica has been married for four years to Rickie Gallardo.
Jessica performs fellow American Idol contestant Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” accompanied by a live band. Singing show fans know that Jessica can SANG. And today, she sounds better than ever. Her vocal is confident and full of fire. The audience instantly goes nuts as she delivers those trademark growls and high notes.
Afterward, the judges are on their feet. “The only people that match up,” says Simon, “are the people behind us. I think they like you!” Howie Mandel says, “Twenty years is a long time, but well worth the wait.” Howie loves the song and feels she made it her own. He adds, “You blew the roof off the place. You are so wonderful.” Mel B. says, “I’m speechless. You’ve got a voice of a bloody angel.”
Sofia Vergara awards Jessica Sanchez her Golden Buzzer
“I think there is something very special happened on this stage with you,” says Sofia. It’s so amazing that we’re on the 20th anniversary…you’re here after 20 years. You’re pregnant, You’re so ready to do all this.” She adds that she doesn’t understand what happened in these 20 years. (SHE COMPETED ON AMERICAN IDOL AND ALMOST WON!). Sofia feels that Jessica delivered such a special moment that she deserves….the Golden Buzzer!
The confetti rains down. Jessica cries. Sofia joins her on stage. Simon greets Jessica backstage to say, “To succeed you’ve got to have real determination and talent. All those years of really wanting something and just going for it. It was powerful.” He adds, “You’re an absolute star.” Note: Simon left American Idol after season 9. Jessica’s judges on season 11, where she came in second behind Phillip Phillips, were Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler. Check out Jessica singing “The Prayer” on the season 11 finale.
An AGT contestant from season one returns and ultimately wins the show? Being a Golden Buzzer recipient sends Jessica straight to the live shows. It could happen! What a full circle moment that would be.
America’s Got Talent airs Tuesday nights on NBC at 8 pm ET/PT and streams on Peacock next day.
