America’s Got Talent Champion Jessica Sanchez Reflects on Winning 19 Years After Original Competition
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Jessica Sanchez, the newly crowned winner of America’s Got Talent season 20, has achieved a remarkable victory almost two decades after first gracing the AGT stage. The journey began for Sanchez back in 2006, when she auditioned for the inaugural season of the reality show at the tender age of 10. Fast forward to the present day, Sanchez returned to AGT as a seasoned performer, chasing her dream of becoming a singer. This dream was realized when host Terry Crews revealed her name as the champion during the season finale that took place on Wednesday, September 24.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE following the finale, a visibly ecstatic Sanchez expressed her overwhelming emotions, stating, “I don’t even know how to react right now, I’m just feeling on cloud nine. It just feels amazing!” Throughout the season, Sanchez captivated both the audience and judges with her powerhouse vocals. Her performance in the finale, a rendition of Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ hit “Die With A Smile,” further solidified her standing as a frontrunner in the competition.
Competing against freestyle rapper Chris Turner for the top spot and a chance to win $1 million, Sanchez humbly acknowledged Turner’s talent, saying, “I was happy either way, whatever the outcome was.” However, when Terry announced Sanchez as the winner, she was left in disbelief, exclaiming, “What the heck is happening right now?” Grateful and overwhelmed, Sanchez shared, “I’m just feeling very loved. I’m feeling very blessed and so grateful.”
The 20-year journey from her first audition to clinching the AGT title was not without its challenges. Sanchez’s rendition of “Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone during her audition prompted judge Sofía Vergara to hit the Golden Buzzer, propelling Sanchez further in the competition. Reflecting on her win, Sanchez revealed her deeper motivation, beyond the monetary prize. She disclosed, “If I win, I feel like it would mean more than the money. It would just be like 20 years of me fighting for this dream.”
Adding another dimension to her win, Sanchez shared her excitement about impending motherhood, as she is currently nine months pregnant with her first child, a baby girl, with husband Ricki Gallardo. Discovering her pregnancy shortly after auditioning for season 20, Sanchez expressed her gratitude, stating, “I’ve already won. I’m about to go home, and I’m at the end of my pregnancy. I’m going to give birth to a beautiful baby girl and start motherhood.”
In the midst of her personal milestones, Sanchez’s AGT victory stands as a testament to perseverance and dedication in the pursuit of one’s passion. Her story of triumph serves as an inspiration not only to aspiring artists but to anyone facing obstacles on their path to achieving their dreams. With her soulful voice and indomitable spirit, Jessica Sanchez has left an indelible mark on the AGT stage and in the hearts of viewers worldwide.
As Jessica Sanchez basks in the well-deserved glory of her America’s Got Talent win, her future shines brightly with endless possibilities. The impact of her victory transcends the realms of reality television, resonating with audiences who have witnessed her evolution from a young hopeful to a triumphant champion.
Stay tuned to People for more inspiring stories and updates from the world of entertainment and human interest. Share in the joy of Jessica Sanchez’s remarkable journey and celebrate the power of talent, resilience, and dreams fulfilled.