Jessica Sanchez is an award-winning Filipino American recording artist with nearly two decades of star-quality performing arts experience. She came to fame as a child prodigy on the first season of America’s Got Talent (AGT) in 2006, when she was just 10 years old, finishing sixth in the competition and losing out to opera star Paul Potts.
In 2012, her big break came on Season 11 of American Idol where she finished second and garnered attention for her powerhouse vocals and her emotional performances. She recently made an epic comeback on Season 20 of AGT in 2025 while nine months pregnant, becoming the first person to ever win AGT when so heavily pregnant and winning her family a hefty $1 million payout.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Early life Jessica Elizabeth Sanchez was born in Chula Vista, California on August 4, 1995 to parents with Mexican American father named Gilbert and a Filipina mother Editha Bugay. Raised in a musical family, she was singing from an early age and developed a love for soul and R&B.
She competed on AGT Season 1 in 2006, showing off her skills as a 10-year-old on the national stage for the first time. While she didn’t walk away victorious, the audition awoke her ambition and determination to make music her life’s work.
Career Highlights and Achievements
From her American Idol (runner-up to Phillip Phillips) experience in 2012, Jessica’s popularity skyrocketed. Her first album Me, You & the Music landed at #8 on the Billboard Pop Chart proving that Pena is a musical force to be reckoned with. She has released strong singles over the years, such as the women-empowerment hit “Baddie” in 2022 and even appeared on popular platforms like Glee.
Her AGT 2025 win is no only a return to form, but she gets to have the full circle moment of triumph. During AGT Season 20, she performed stirring sets that connected with viewers on a deep level — her audition won judge Sofía Vergara’s Golden Buzzer, propelling her straight to live shows.
Rapping while nine months pregnant, her version of “Die With a Smile” (made famous by Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga), got her standing ovation and helped to seal the win as history’s first ever champion.
Jessica Sanchez Personal Life and Husband
Jessica Sanchez is married to Rickie Gallardo, a lighting technician she fell in-love with while playing in a concert the church he worked for (2017). Their connection grew rapidly from lighthearted Instagram comments to each spending every day together a month. They quietly married in a small ceremony in 2021.
Rickie is her biggest supporter as well, having been by her side throughout her career and recent comeback — including during the trying time of competing on AGT while pregnant.
Net Worth and Financial Status
Jessica Sanchez Net Worth Jessica Sanchez ’s net worth is around $1 to $2 million, given that her music career, TV series appearances, concert tours, and prize winnings are the sources of her income. Her AGT Season 20 win earned her a $1 million prize, greatly improving Cher’s financial situation.
Referred to for her powerfull and versalite voice, Jessica further establishes herself as a no-nonsense singer-songwriter backed by loyal fans.
Latest News in 2025
The newest and exciting news is Jessica Sanchez has won versus America’s Got Talent Season 20 on September of 2025. This victory is also momentous as she becomes the first Housewife from season one to return and win many seasons later.
With her unique performances about the trials and tribulations of pregnancy, as well as her new mindset towards artistry, she won both the judges’ and audiences’ hearts. Judge Sofía Vergara praised her as a “pregnant angel with a beautiful voice,” and Simon Cowell said her final performance was the night’s best. “Jessica’s story now is a tale of perseverance, love and success in show business.
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