Jessica Sanchez just made reality TV history. The Texas-based singer, who first auditioned for America’s Got Talent as a 10-year-old, has officially been crowned the winner of America’s Got Talent season 20, a victory fueled by perseverance, talent, and a life story that came full circle.
It all began back in the auditions, when judge Sofía Vergara slammed the Golden Buzzer after Sanchez delivered a powerhouse performance. That moment instantly catapulted her straight to the live shows and cemented her as a frontrunner. Throughout the season, Sanchez continued to wow both the judges and the audience with her vocals, effortlessly blending powerhouse ballads and emotional storytelling.
© Trae Patton/NBC via Getty ImagesHer finale performance on September 24 proved unforgettable. She closed the season with a show-stopping rendition of Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With A Smile,” leaving the stage in tears before being announced as the season’s winner.
© Trae Patton/NBC via Getty ImagesA 20-Year Comeback Story
For Sanchez, this wasn’t just another reality TV win. This was redemption. Nearly two decades ago, she auditioned for America’s Got Talent season 1 at just 10 years old, only to be eliminated before the semifinals. That early heartbreak could have ended her dream, but it didn’t.
“This has been 20 years in the making,” Sanchez said before the finale. “I was 10 years old when I first tried out. Even though I didn’t make it, I knew I wanted to prove I belonged on that stage.”
From Idol to Glee to AGT
America’s Got Talent isn’t the only competition stage Sanchez has conquered. Fans will remember her standout run on American Idol season 11, where she became runner-up to Phillip Phillips. Her Idol journey included a viral duet with Broadway legend Jennifer Holliday, a performance that still circulates online more than a decade later.
Sanchez also took her talent to television with a role on "Glee," appearing in season 4 as the leader of a rival choir during Regionals. While she admitted she wasn’t confident in her acting chops at first, she embraced the challenge, proving she could hold her own beyond the world of singing competitions.
© Trae Patton/NBC via Getty ImagesA Voice Strengthened By Life Experience
Part of what makes Sanchez’s season 20 journey so powerful is the growth she’s undergone since her first audition. After stepping away from music for a few years, she came back stronger, wiser, and more certain of who she is as an artist.
“I needed that time away to know myself, to be confident in who I am,” she shared in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “Coming back to this stage where it all started feels like being on cloud nine.”
© Getty ImagesAdding to the whirlwind, Sanchez revealed that she and her husband, Rickie Gallardo—whom she married in 2021—are expecting their first child. She actually discovered her pregnancy just days after her AGT audition, something she says gave her even more motivation to succeed.
“I get to share this journey with my daughter,” she said. “It’s like a once-in-a-lifetime thing.”
Proud Latina Roots
Born in Chula Vista, California, Sanchez embodies a mix of cultural pride and perseverance. Her father, Gilbert Sanchez, is a Mexican-American from Texas and a U.S. Navy Reserve officer, while her mother, Edita, is of Filipino descent from Bataan in the Philippines.
Though now based in Texas, Sanchez often credits her hometown of San Diego for shaping her, saying, “My heart is always in San Diego. I can’t wait to make you guys proud.”
© Trae Patton/NBC via Getty ImagesWith her America’s Got Talent season 20 victory, Sanchez doesn’t just win a title; she reclaims her place in the spotlight. The win comes with a cash prize and the chance to headline a Las Vegas show, but more importantly, it symbolizes the ultimate comeback story.
From a 10-year-old hopeful in season 1 to the Golden Buzzer winner in season 20, Jessica Sanchez’s journey proves that resilience and passion never fade.
