Jessica Sanchez, American Idol Runner‑Up, Returns to AGT After 20 Years and Earns Golden Buzzer While Pregnant

A Full-Circle Moment: 20 Years Later

Jessica Sanchez's return to America's Got Talent wasn't just a nod to her childhood. It was a full-circle moment nearly two decades in the making.

Back in 2006, a then nine-year-old Sanchez appeared on the first season of AGT, impressing audiences with her raw vocal talent. Now 29, married, and expecting her first child, she returned to the same stage as part of the show's 20th anniversary celebration.

This season, AGT marked the milestone by inviting back standout contestants from its inaugural year. For Sanchez, the invitation carried personal weight. In her audition package, she said: 'AGT was the beginning of that fire... it helped me realise I want to sing. That stage planted the seed.'

A Symbolic Return To Where It Began

While many viewers know her best from American Idol, where she finished as runner-up in Season 11 in 2012, Sanchez's journey began on the AGT stage. Her return was not just about showcasing her voice. It was a reconnection with the foundation of her career, approached now with deeper perspective and maturity.

This time, the performance held a different meaning. Sanchez stood not only as a seasoned artist but as a woman embracing a new chapter in her life. Her vocals were as powerful as ever, but the message behind her return was just as striking. She continues to grow, and she is doing so on her own terms.

A Powerhouse Performance & Golden Buzzer

With quiet confidence, Sanchez delivered an emotional rendition of Benson Boone's 'Beautiful Things.' Backed by a live band, she showcased vocal maturity, control, and an emotional weight that resonated deeply with the crowd. The performance earned her a standing ovation from all four judges—Simon Cowell, Mel B, Howie Mandel, and Sofia Vergara.

Mel B called her voice 'that of a bloody angel,' while Howie Mandel said: 'Twenty years is a long time—but well worth the wait. This moment is magic.'

A visibly moved Sofia Vergara hit the golden buzzer, sending Jessica straight to the live shows. 'You gave us all goosebumps,' she said. 'This is your time.'

Simon Cowell, reflecting on her journey, added, 'You've always had the voice. What's different now is your power. That was a powerful audition—and a powerful message.'

Personal Growth Beyond the Spotlight

After American Idol, Sanchez quickly found herself in the spotlight. She released her debut album Me, You & the Music in 2013, followed by an EP and a string of singles. But she soon felt the weight of industry pressures and the expectations placed on her as a young Filipina-American artist.

'I fell out of love with music,' she shared. 'I was so swayed by what everyone wanted me to be.'

Over the past few years, Sanchez chose to step back and refocus on her personal life. She married longtime partner Rickie Gallardo in 2021, after meeting in 2017. In early 2025, the couple learned they were expecting their first child.

During her audition, she shared the pregnancy news with the judges and audience. Simon Cowell, now a father himself, responded warmly: 'Congratulations. This is the best thing that can ever happen in your life.'

For Jessica Sanchez, her return to AGT wasn't just about music. It was about reclaiming her voice, her story—and her joy.