Filipino American singer Jessica Sanchez made history on September 25, winning Season 20 of America’s Got Talent and becoming the first Filipino to claim the grand prize. The 30-year-old singer, who rose to prominence more than a decade ago, capped off her journey with a powerhouse rendition of Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ ballad, “Die With a Smile.” The performance earned her a standing ovation from judges Sofia Vergara, Simon Cowell, Mel B, and Howie Mandel, as well as the highest number of public votes. She beat British improv rapper Chris Turner in the finale.
For Sanchez, the victory was nearly 20 years in the making. She first auditioned for America’s Got Talent in 2006 at just 11 years old, singing Aretha Franklin’s “Respect.” Although she didn’t advance far in the competition at the time, her performance left a lasting mark and gave her early national exposure. Six years later, she returned to television on American Idol Season 11, where she finished as runner-up to Phillip Phillips. Her powerhouse vocals, particularly during a duet of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” with Broadway legend Jennifer Holliday, cemented her reputation as one of the most technically gifted singers to come out of the franchise.
Sanchez’s return to America’s Got Talent this year came at a time when television talent shows have lost some of their mainstream pull. Still, her persistence in joining these singing competitions paid off. Rather than chase fleeting trends, she stayed committed to balladry, a genre that defined her artistry even as pop moved toward EDM drops and minimalist R&B. By doubling down on what she did best — harnessing the vocal control of Beyoncé, the upper register of Mariah Carey, and the emotional runs of Whitney Houston — she reminded audiences of the enduring power of big-voice ballads.
Her win also represents a broader cultural milestone for Filipino and Filipino American singers. Artists like Jasmine Trias and Ramiele Malubay previously broke ground on American Idol but fell short of the top prize. Sanchez carried that lineage further, proving that Filipino voices continue to thrive on the international stage. More than a personal victory, her America’s Got Talent win signals the persistence of ballad-driven pop and reaffirms her place as a defining artist of her generation.
