“Jessica, I’m speechless, you’ve got the voice of a bloody angel,” America’s Got Talent (AGT) judge Mel B told Filipino-American singer Jessica Sanchez, who returned to the show nearly 20 years after competing on its inaugural season.
On the July 15 episode of AGT Season 20, which saw would-be contestants auditioning in front of judges Vergara, Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, and Mel B, Sanchez impressed with a rendition of Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things.”
Sanchez was only 10 years old when she first competed on the show in 2006, making it as far as the semifinal rounds before her elimination. She then auditioned for a spot on American Idol Season 11 in 2012, where she finished as runner-up to season winner Phillip Phillips. Sanchez has since released several singles, including the 2013 track “Tonight” featuring Ne-Yo. She has also made appearances on multiple shows, including the musical comedy-drama series Glee.
Before her audition, Sanchez shared with the judges that she is expecting her first child with her husband, Rickie Gallardo. She also spoke about her musical journey since first appearing on the show in 2006. “Throughout the years, I kind of fell out of love with music because I was really young,” she said, “and I was so swayed by what everybody wanted me to be, who they wanted me to be. Maybe it took me 20 years, but I know exactly who I am, I know exactly what I want.”
Sanchez’s performance earned her a standing ovation from all four judges, a Golden Buzzer from Vergara, and a spot in the upcoming live shows. “I think there’s something very special [happening] on the stage with you,” Vergara told Sanchez. “It’s so amazing that we’re on the 10th anniversary, the 20th season of AGT, [and] you’re here again after 20 years.”
