For the second time in her life, Jessica Sanchez is headed to the finale of a major network talent competition — but this time, she’s doing it at nine months pregnant.
When Sanchez was 16, she was runner-up on season 11 of “American Idol,” which was won by Phillip Phillips. Thirteen years later — on September 16, 2025 — the powerhouse singer advanced to the finals of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.”
Now married and expecting her first child at 30, Sanchez has wowed fans and the judging panel, which includes Simon Cowell — who was also a judge when she was on “American Idol,” and has said on the show he’s been “blown away” by her talent, tenacity, and faith.
Jessica Sanchez Says She’s Relying on Her Faith to Get Her Through ‘AGT’ Finale
Even before Sanchez appeared at age 16 on “American Idol,” she tried out for the very first season of “AGT” at age 10 and made it onto the show — though she was eliminated from the competition during the semifinals.
“I’m completely different now,” Sanchez told the San Diego Union-Times in July, before the 20th season of “AGT” premiered. “I’ve grown, I’ve matured and know who I am as an artist and young woman.”
Returning to “AGT” 20 years later, Sanchez explained to the judges that she took a break from music because, after competing and performing so much at such a young age, she wanted to make sure she was doing it for the joy of it and not to impress or please others.
In her return to “AGT,” Sanchez performed a cover of “American Idol” alum Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” and the crowd went wild. Judge Sofia Vergara was so impressed, she hit the golden buzzer for Sanchez, automatically advancing her to the quarterfinals.
By the time the live quaterfinals took place, Sanchez was eight months pregnant and nearly backed out, feeling uneasy backstage. She knew singing Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” would be a tall task, given her pregnancy’s impact on her breathing. But she powered through and, once again, wowed everyone.
“I am blown away,” Cowell told her, and the judges were happy to send her through to the semifinals, during which she sang JVKE’s “Golden Hour.” That round was up to the viewers, and they voted her through to the finale.
Jessica Sanchez Will Rely on Her Faith for ‘AGT’ Finale
Eager for the “AGT” finale and the arrival of her baby girl, whom Sanchez and her husband plan to name Eliana, the singer is relying on her faith to get her through the coming days.
“My identity is in Christ, and that’s what has kept me steady through all of this,” she told The Christian Post after reaching the finals. “No matter the outcome, I remind myself this is His will, not mine. That’s the only way I’ve been able to do this.”
The top 10 acts will perform on the season 20 “AGT” finale on September 23, which viewers will vote on once again. The results will be announced during a two-hour show the following night, on September 24.
1 thought on “Former ‘American Idol’ Runner-Up Advances to ‘America’s Got Talent’ Finale at 9 Months Pregnant”