Jessica Sanchez’s return to the America’s Got Talent stage in 2025 was not that of an unknown hopeful, but rather that of a person returning home. She was a 10-year-old semifinalist in the inaugural season of AGT twenty years prior. She has since lived a full life, including tours, albums, and becoming runner-up on American Idol, before gradually fading away from music due to pressure from the industry and expectations.
Jessica acknowledged in her pre-audition interview that she had temporarily lost interest in singing. She claimed that she now understood who she was and what she wanted, and that her return to AGT was about taking back her voice on her own terms. She is now nearly thirty, married, and expecting her first child.
Her selection of Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” made the occasion electrifying. Her tone was emotive, rich, and controlled from the very first line. It then built into massive, soaring notes that had all four judges standing and the audience roaring. Howie Mandel, Simon Cowell, and Mel B were in disbelief; Sofía Vergara was clearly crying as Jessica put years of uncertainty, development, and thankfulness into each sentence.
Sofía didn’t hesitate as the last note faded. She pushed the Golden Buzzer, sending Jessica straight through as the audience shouted and gold confetti showered down, calling it one of the most memorable moments of AGT’s 20th season. The reappearance of the young girl from season 1 as an adult, a pregnant mother, and now a Golden Buzzer star was a full-circle victory for fans in the Philippines and the United States.
