AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Wednesday, “America’s Got Talent” crowned Jessica Sanchez, a singer who lives in Texas, as its 20th season winner.
“Sanchez won America’s hearts and votes for her resilience, passion and innate talent, taking home the $1 million grand prize tonight,” NBC said in a news release.
This isn’t Sanchez’s first time to hit the big stage with AGT. Back in 2006, at just 10 years old, she gained national attention for the show’s inaugural season. Sanchez made it to the semifinals, but she was then eliminated, according to NBC.
Jessica Sanchez pictured on “America’s Got Talent” finale episode (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)
Jessica Sanchez pictured on “America’s Got Talent” finale episode (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)
Jessica Sanchez pictured on “America’s Got Talent” finale episode (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)
ADVERTISEMENTJessica Sanchez pictured on “America’s Got Talent” finale episode (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)
Sofia Vergara and Jessica Sanchez pictured on “America’s Got Talent” finale episode (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)
“After years of pursuing a career as a recording artist, [Sanchez] took a break from singing until her recent return to the stage where it all began. In the process, Sanchez rediscovered her voice, confidence and purpose,” the release said.
It wasn’t until 20 years later that Sanchez returned to AGT all while expecting a baby girl, according to NBC.
During her audition, Sanchez performed “Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone, which earned her the Golden Buzzer from judge Sofia Vergara. She then returned live to AGT eight months pregnant and pushed through the Quarterfinals, where she performed “Ordinary” by Alex Warren.
In the semifinals, Sanchez performed JVKE’s “Golden Hour,” which then earned her a spot in the finals.
On Thursday’s final performance, Sanchez sang her own “heartfelt arrangement” of “Die With A Smile” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, receiving a standing ovation from the show’s judges.
“It was so important for our 20th anniversary that you came back, most importantly to show that even if you don’t win the first time, you have to always believe in yourself,” AGT Judge Simon Cowell said to Sanchez.
Mama Duke pictured on “America’s Got Talent” the finale episode (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)
Sanchez wasn’t the only Texas resident competing for the winning spot. Mama Duke is an Austin-based singer and rapper who competed against 10 other finalists Tuesday night.
During Mama Duke’s audition, Mel B. told her that her original song was “already a hit.” And that it became — “Feels So Good To Be You” reached No. 4 on the iTunes pop charts and No. 13 on the all-genre charts in July.
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