Who Is Jessica Sanchez? All About the Filipino-American Singer

She recently got the Golden Buzzer for her America's Got Talent audition!

Published on Jul 17, 2025

ICYMI, Jessica Sanchez is back on the reality TV stage. Best known for her run on American Idol in 2012 (yes, it’s been over a decade!), she’s once again stepping into the spotlight, this time on America’s Got Talent.

On July 16, Jessica auditioned for the show’s 20th season with a powerful performance of Beautiful Things by Benson Boone. What many didn’t expect, though, is that this isn’t her first time on AGT. She actually auditioned during its very first season, when she was just 11 years old. Now 29, Jessica returned with a fresh perspective and a deep love for music, and her performance was enough to earn the Golden Buzzer from judge Sofia Vergara. Ultimately, that means she’s skipping straight to the live shows!

Ahead, a few things you might not know (or forgot) about Jessica Sanchez.

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Who Is Jessica Sanchez? 7 Things About the Fil-Am Singer

1. She's now 29 years old.

Jessica was born on August 4, 1995, in Chula Vista, California. She’s the eldest of three kids and has two younger brothers.

2. Her parents are Filipino and Mexican.

Her mom, Edita Sanchez, has roots in Samal, Bataan in the Philippines, while her dad, Gilbert Sanchez, is a Mexican-American who hails from Texas. He also works as a First Class Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserves.

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Jessica with her Filipina mother, Edita. PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/JESSICAESANCHEZ.

3. She got married in 2021.

Jessica tied the knot with Rickie Gallardo in 2021. The couple has been together since 2017, having met through their local church.

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Jessica with her husband Rickie. PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/JESSICAESANCHEZ.

4. She’s currently expecting her first baby.

Before performing her rendition of Beautiful Things, Jessica revealed that she's pregnant with her first child. “This is the best thing that can ever happen in your life,” Simon Cowell commented.

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PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/JESSICAESANCHEZ.

5. She first auditioned for "America’s Got Talent" in 2006.

And it was for the show's pilot season, too! Jessica first auditioned for America’s Got Talent back in 2006. She sang Celine Dion’s I Surrender at just 11 years old and made it all the way to the semi-finals before getting eliminated.

6. She finished first runner-up on "American Idol."

Most fans remember her from American Idol Season 11 in 2012, where she placed as a runner-up to Phillip Phillips. After the show, she continued pursuing music, having guest-starred on Glee, performing at the White House, and even teaming up with Ne-Yo for her debut single.

7. She's active on social media.

Through the years, Jessica has built a sizable following on her social media channels. As of writing, she has 307,000 followers on Instagram, 496,500 on TikTok, and 619,000 subscribers on YouTube. She regularly posts her song covers, original music, and some vlogs through her platforms.

Pau is Preview’s go-to fashion girl. On most days, you’ll find her with headphones on, coffee in hand, and likely dressed in an oversized blazer and floor-grazing jeans.