Filipino-American singer Jessica Sanchez made an emotional return to America’s Got Talent as she announced that she is expecting her first child, performed 20 years after she first stepped on the same stage, and received the coveted golden buzzer from one of the judges.
Now 29, Sanchez first competed in the show’s inaugural season in 2006, reaching the semifinals at age 10 with a performance of Celine Dion’s “I Surrender.”
On the July 16 episode of Season 20, she returned to the AGT stage, earning a standing ovation with her soulful rendition of Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things.”
“I’m married now, and another surprising thing is, I recently found out I’m pregnant,” Sanchez announced before her performance.
Sofía Vergara, visibly moved, hit the golden buzzer, sending the singer straight to the live shows.
“This was a special moment, and I think you deserve this,” Vergara said.
Judges Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, and Mel B. praised Sanchez for her vocal maturity and stage presence. “You’ve got the voice of a bloody angel,” said Mel B.
Sanchez, who also finished as runner-up on American Idol in 2012, said returning to AGT helped her reconnect with her passion for music.
