Who Is Jessica Sanchez? America’s Got Talent 2025 Winner Explained

Jessica Sanchez is a Filipino-American singer-songwriter who has just made television history. She won season 20 of America’s Got Talent (AGT) on September 25, 2025, nearly 20 years after her first audition on the show. The 30-year-old artist became widely known when she was runner-up on season 11 of American Idol, and now she has finally earned a championship title on AGT.

The win is a full-circle moment for Sanchez. She impressed judges Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara, and Mel B with her powerful voice and emotional stage presence. Vergara, who gave Sanchez the Golden Buzzer during auditions, praised her finale performance as “perfection” and called her “a little pregnant angel.”

Jessica Sanchez’s Journey From Idol to AGT Winner

Sanchez was born on August 4, 1995, in Chula Vista, California, to a Mexican-American father and a Filipina mother from Bataan, Philippines. She first auditioned for AGT in 2006 when she was only 11 years old, singing Celine Dion’s “I Surrender.” Though she was eliminated in the semifinals, she returned years later to compete on American Idol in 2012, where she finished as runner-up behind Phillip Phillips.

Her debut album, Me, You & the Music (2013), peaked at No. 26 on the US Billboard 200. She later released holiday music, including Christmas with Jessica in 2015, and performed for large audiences in the Philippines. Sanchez also appeared in season four of the TV series Glee as Frida Romero, further expanding her fan base.

In 2025, Sanchez decided to return to AGT for its 20th anniversary season. Her audition performance of Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” earned a Golden Buzzer from Sofía Vergara, sending her straight to the live shows. During the finale, she performed a soaring rendition of “Die With A Smile,” originally by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, while pregnant — a moment that resonated with both judges and audiences.

Impact of Jessica Sanchez’s AGT Win

Winning AGT season 20 secures Sanchez a $1 million prize and a Las Vegas residency opportunity. It also marks a cultural milestone, celebrating the success of a Filipino-American artist on one of America’s biggest talent platforms. Fans online called her victory “long overdue” after her past close calls in major competitions.

The win could reignite her music career. Her story — persistence after setbacks, a return to the stage after nearly two decades, and performing while expecting a child — has attracted global attention. Media outlets including CNN and BBC highlighted her as an inspiring figure for young artists who keep pursuing their dreams.

Jessica Sanchez’s AGT 2025 win is more than just a trophy. It symbolizes resilience, representation, and the power of second chances in the music industry.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is Jessica Sanchez?

Jessica Sanchez is a Filipino-American singer who won AGT season 20 in 2025 and was runner-up on American Idol season 11 in 2012.

Q2: What song did Jessica Sanchez sing in the AGT 2025 finale?

She performed “Die With A Smile” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars during the finale.

Q3: How old is Jessica Sanchez now?

Jessica Sanchez is 30 years old. She was born on August 4, 1995.

Q4: Did Jessica Sanchez win American Idol before?

No. She was the runner-up in season 11 of American Idol in 2012. Phillip Phillips won that season.

Q5: What prize did Jessica Sanchez win on AGT?

She won $1 million and the chance to headline a Las Vegas residency.