Jessica Sanchez is an America’s Got Talent champion nearly 20 years in the making.
Two decades after first appearing on NBC’s competition series, the singer was crowned the winner of season 20.
“Look at my life. I started when I was 10 years old on AGT, and here I am 20 years later, and those 20 years were full of highs and low lows,” Sanchez, 30, exclusively shared with Us Weekly after the semifinals on September 16. “It’s been a struggle, but I believed in myself and kept pushing, and here I am now more blessed than ever. You just have to keep believing.”
From the moment she auditioned in season 20 with a rendition of Benson Boone’s hit single “Beautiful Things,” Sanchez impressed judges Simon Cowell, Mel B and Howie Mandel.
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Sofía Vergara was such a fan that she used her Golden Buzzer to ensure the singer made it far in the competition.
After receiving the most votes from America on finale night, Sanchez is now $1 million richer and ready to make all of her musical dreams come true.
“There are so many amazing artists out there,” she told Us when asked who she would like to sing with someday. “We’ll just have to see what the future brings.”
Until then, keep reading to learn more about the new winner of America’s Got Talent:
Jessica Sanchez Competed on ‘AGT’ When She Was Pregnant
Sofia Vergara and Jessica Sanchez Trae Patton/NBC
Sanchez wasn’t sure if she was going to give birth to her baby girl before finale week.
“Honestly, it could be,” she told Us after the semifinals about possibly becoming a mom mid-competition. “We never know because she’s going to dictate when she’s coming, but I am in the nine-month frame.”
When not rehearsing for the show, Sanchez was able to take part in a maternity shoot and reflect on her pregnancy journey.
“I never imagined I’d be spending these final weeks of pregnancy away from home, in the middle of such an exciting competition,” she wrote via Instagram on September 14. “I truly believe God’s plan is greater than my own. This journey has been so unexpected, yet so beautiful, and I wouldn’t have it any other way 💕.”
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Jessica Sanchez Previously Competed on ‘American Idol’
In 2012, Sanchez competed on season 11 of American Idol with judges Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson.
Although she came in second place behind winner Phillip Phillips, the singer loved her experience on the show.
“I really think that Phillip deserved to win, and I’m so happy for him,” she told reporters in a press conference after the finale. “I don’t have any regrets at all. I made it to the top two. That’s crazy, so I’m happy. I’m content.”
Jessica Sanchez Is Married to Rickie Gallardo
Jessica Sanchez and Rickie Gallardo Courtesy of Rickie Gallardo/Instagram
In an interview with TV Insider, Sanchez gushed about her husband, who has always been supportive of her music career.
“My husband is my greatest foundation. My faith, too,” she told the publication in September. “I believe that God has something bigger for me than I could ever imagine.”
In July, Gallardo reacted to his wife’s pregnancy in an Instagram post, writing, “Watching you carry our child while still pouring your heart into every performance has left me in awe. You’re not just strong… you’re sacred. I’ve never been more proud, more moved or more grateful to walk through life with you. This season we’re in… it’s the most beautiful one yet. I love you.”
Jessica Sanchez Auditioned for ‘AGT’ as a Kid
Jessica Sanchez Trae Patton/NBC
During season 1 of America’s Got Talent, Sanchez — who was just 10 years old at the time — auditioned for NBC’s reality show.
Although she was eliminated before the semifinals, Sanchez said she never gave up on her musical dreams.
“This big dream of mine really started 20 years ago. I really wanted to give the dream another shot,” Sanchez said in a clip that played during the season 20 finale. “I wish I could tell my 10-year-old self, ‘Here we are today, girl.’”
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Jessica Sanchez Appeared on ‘Glee’
In 2013, Sanchez had the opportunity to guest star on the Fox musical series.
“I haven’t had a lot of time to watch Glee recently, but I’ve been studying up, and I am taking acting lessons,” Sanchez told The Hollywood Reporter in November 2012 before her debut. “I’ve watched the show before in the past. I love the show. It’s an amazing production.”
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