The reality TV competition circuit has evolved sinceAmerica’s Got Talentfirst premiered twenty years ago. Of course, beforeAGT,Simon Cowellwas firmly represented onAmerican Idol, but after that, music fans were engrossed with any singing show the networks threw against the wall.The X-Factor,The Voice,The Sing Off, the list goes on. But even when one show doesn’t work and the other leads you to a heartbreaking second place,why not go back to the place where it all began to make the perfect story possible?
When the producers toldTerry Crewsthat the next act was a little nervous, he went up to this young woman and spoke to her as if she had never been on television before. She meekly came on stage and revealed herself as a singer who first appeared onAGT’s premiere season. With flashback video from that appearance, we are reminded that she was eliminated during the semi-finals. Her name,Jessica Sanchez. Though she strategically made no mention of her time onAmerican Idol,her reason for returning toAGTwas to fall back in love with music again.At that moment, the formerIdolhopeful found herself falling in love with the energy of the crowd and the adoration of the judges. AndAGTgot the perfect story to celebrate Season 20.
For those who know Jessica Sanchez, they were in for a treat. For those who may have last seen her as the second-place finisher onAmerican Idolor during her guest spot onGlee, a lot has changed in her life. She tried to find her footing in the industry, but like many otherIdolhopefuls,they found the industry to be a brutal beast.Now, married and pregnant, the formerIdolrunner-up hoped to jumpstart another positive moment into her life.
Singing “Beautiful Things” byBenson Boone, there was newfound maturity in her voice and presence that reality TV fans hadn’t seen before. For those who have been there from the beginning, back whenRegis Philbinheld the fort down as host, the singer they saw then is not that same little girl. 20 years since her first time onAGT,Jessica Sanchez truly had the biggest glow up possible, proving why time away, andnot days or seasons in between, are essential if a contestant wants to show growth as a talent.
Howie Mandeltold her she blew the roof off the place, which Simon echoed, saying that it is the audience that really matters.Mel Bsaid she had a voice of a bloody angel.Sofía Vergarashared that something special happened to her on stage, leaving her to question and not understand what had transpired in the 20 years since her last time there. But like everyone watching, it was meant to be. And thus, Sofia was eager to cap off Jessica’s moment with the best way imaginable:she earned a golden buzzer.
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Jessica Sanchez May Finally Win a Reality Show
In the teaser for the season, we were teased about Jessica’s performance, tying it into the 20th anniversary of the show. Seeing is believing, as she earned the right to be the face of the season. The little girl who auditioned in Season 1 and the teenager who fell short of victory on American Idol are seeking something grander than the show. She’s looking for that validation that tells her this world is where she belongs. Bypassing the next round of the competition, Jessica has room to prepare for the live shows. And if she brings out that same dynamic with her exceptional voice, pregnancy pending,Jessica Sanchez is set up quite well for a million-dollar win and redemption.
Having rallied for her victory on Season 11 ofAmerican Idol, I’m eager to see the artist she’s grown to be. Vocally, a lot can change in 13 years. During her run on Idol, many of her iconic moments revolved around big ballads. Whether singing “The Prayer,” “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” or “I Have Nothing,” the Filipino singer can sing big, booming tracks. By expanding her reach and singing a modern track that satisfies both ballad and uptempo,she proved she is ready to tackle anything you toss at her.Even the way she presented herself on stage, draped in an oversized sweater, she is once again going to show a transformation. Should Jessica Sanchez be showered again on finale night ofAGT, her entire career will reach its peak. And based on her initial audition, it’s warranted.
America’s Got Talentairs Tuesdays at 8:00pm on NBC. All episodes are available to stream on Peacock.
America’s Got Talent
