FILIPINO-AMERICAN singer Jessica Sanchez returned to the “America’s Got Talent” (AGT) stage after 20 years and received a Golden Buzzer for her remarkable comeback audition.
Sanchez, who wowed with her rendition of Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things,” received a standing ovation from the audience and the show’s judges Sofia Vergara, Simon Cowell, Mel B, and Howie Mandel, and eventually a Golden Buzzer from Vergara.
Sanchez, who was only 10 years old when she joined the talent competition’s first season and made it to the semi-finals, said that she “kind of fell out of love with music” over the years but is now ready to return.
“I was so swayed by what everybody wanted me to be, who they wanted me to be. And so, maybe it took me 20 years, but I know exactly who I am. And I know exactly what I want. I’m excited to be back,” said the “American Idol” alum.
The AGT season 1 alum also revealed that she is now married and recently found out that she is pregnant with her first child.
After Sanchez’s performance, Cowell said that “the people that matter are those behind them,” referring to how the Fil-Am’s performance won over the audience, “I think they like you.”
Mandel, on the other hand, stated that the 29-year-old singer’s comeback is definitely “worth the wait.”
“Wow, 20 years is a long time but well worth the wait. I’ll tell you I love that song, and you made that song your own, and you blew the roof off the place. You are so wonderful,” he expressed.
Meanwhile, Mel B commended Sanchez for having “the voice of a bloody angel” and said that “she is just lost for words” after the performance.
Finally, Vergara, who pressed the golden buzzer, said that “something very special” happened with Sanchez on the stage.
“It’s so amazing that we are celebrating the 20th anniversary, the 20th season of AGT. You are here again after 20 years, you are pregnant. You are so beautiful; you are so ready to do all this […] This was a special moment, and I think that you deserve this,” she said before hitting the golden buzzer.
In 2012, Sanchez also joined the 11th season of “American Idol,” where she finished second. The following year, she released her debut album “Me, You & the Music.” She also appeared in the hit jukebox musical comedy-drama series “Glee.” (Jessica Ann Evangelista © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
