3 weeks ago
8
Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!
Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.
Visit Suniway.ph to learn
Carlo Orosa - The Philippine Star
July 17, 2025 | 12:00am
Over a decade ago, the world watched in awe as a 16-year-old Jessica Sanchez stood on the “American Idol” stage and delivered performances that rivaled vocalists twice her age. With her emotional depth and soaring vocals, she quickly became a household name, ultimately finishing as runner-up on Season 11. But while her “Idol” journey was extraordinary, her story was far from over.
Fast forward to 2025, and Jessica has made a stunning return. This time, it’s on “America’s Got Talent.” In a powerful full-circle moment, she finally performed in front of Simon Cowell, whom she never met during her “Idol” days. And if there was ever any doubt that she still had “it,” one unforgettable moment silenced it for good: Sofia Vergara rising from her seat and slamming the Golden Buzzer.
Ten-year-old Jessica auditions for ‘America’s Got Talent’ 20 years ago.
“I was completely overwhelmed in the best way possible,” Jessica shared in an exclusive interview with The STAR. “It felt like a dream. That moment was filled with so many emotions: gratitude, disbelief, joy. To see Sofia stand up and hit that buzzer meant the world to me. It was validation for all the years of hard work, and for a moment, I felt like that little girl again who just loves to sing.”
The crowd’s reaction was thunderous, and even Simon — known for his famously unfiltered critiques — was visibly moved. It was Jessica’s first-ever performance in front of him, and his praise confirmed what millions already believed: her talent had not only endured, it had also grown.
But Jessica’s return to the spotlight came with a beautiful twist. Just before her audition aired, she revealed she was expecting her first child with her husband, Rickie Gallardo.
Jessica breaks down in tears after receiving the Golden Buzzer.
“Honestly, no. We didn’t plan the timing,” she said, smiling. “But life has a beautiful way of unfolding in ways you never expect. Finding out I was pregnant during this season of auditions added an entirely new layer of meaning to everything. It’s been challenging, emotional and incredibly special. I’m not just doing this for myself anymore. I’m doing it for our growing family.”
Her decision to audition was as bold as it was heartfelt. Having already achieved fame at a young age, many would have rested on their laurels. But Jessica felt a fire reigniting within her — a calling that she couldn’t ignore.
“It was a mix of faith, timing and a little push from the people who love me,” she explained. “I’ve been in the industry for a while now, but something inside me kept saying, ‘You’re not done yet.’
“I felt this deep need to reconnect with why I started singing in the first place. So, I took a leap, pregnant belly and all, and walked into that audition room with nothing but a prayer and a song.”
And what a song it was. Her performance brought the entire audience to their feet and left the judges speechless. Videos of her audition quickly went viral, with fans around the world celebrating her return — not just as a singer, but as a woman stepping into a new chapter of her life.
Through it all, Jessica has never forgotten her roots. Born to a Mexican-American father and a Filipina mother, she’s long embraced her multicultural identity. Her connection to the Filipino community remains especially strong and her message to them was deeply moving.
Sofia Vergara gives Jessica an emotional hug and touches the comebacking singer’s pregnant belly after slamming the Golden Buzzer for her.
Screenshots from ‘America’s Got Talent’ Facebook page
“To my fellow Filipinos around the world — thank you for your love, your pride and your unwavering support,” she said. “You’ve lifted me up since the very beginning, and I carry your strength with me every time I step on that stage. Mahal ko kayong lahat. This Golden Buzzer moment isn’t just mine — it’s ours. Let’s keep showing the world what we’re made of!”
Jessica’s story is more than a comeback. It’s a powerful reminder of what can happen when talent, perseverance and authenticity come together. In a world where fame is fleeting, she stands out not just for her voice, but for her courage to be real about her journey, her faith, her family and her roots.
As she prepares for the next round on “America’s Got Talent” — and for the arrival of her baby — Jessica Sanchez is not only proving that her star still shines bright, she’s showing us all that life’s most beautiful moments often come when you least expect them.
And this time, she’s not just singing for herself. She’s singing for her future, her family and the millions who’ve stood by her every step of the way.
