“It took me 20 years” — Jessica Sanchez returns to America’s Got Talent, wins Golden Buzzer in this season comeback

America's Got Talent season 20 episode 7 aired on July 15, 2025, and marked a major milestone for one returning contestant. Jessica Sanchez, who first appeared on the show’s debut season in 2006 as a 10-year-old, came back two decades later to audition once again — this time as a grown woman with a powerful voice and a renewed sense of identity.

Reflecting on her journey before taking the stage,

“Maybe it took me 20 years, but I know exactly who I am, I know exactly what I want. I’m excited to be back,” Sanchez said.

Her return was part of the show’s 20th season and came with some personal news — she shared that she recently got married and is expecting a baby.

Sanchez sang “Beautiful Things,” a performance that got the whole audience and judges on their feet. Judge Sofía Vergara hit the Golden Buzzer, sending her straight to the live shows.

It felt like a full-circle moment — someone who once auditioned as a child came back years later with a clear sense of who she is.

The episode not only showed how much she had grown as a singer but also reminded viewers that America's Got Talent gives second chances to performers from its past.

Sanchez earns the Golden Buzzer with “Beautiful Things” in America's Got Talent

 

 

 

 

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Jessica Sanchez’s performance of “Beautiful Things” brought strong reactions from the entire judging panel.

Simon Cowell responded to the crowd’s cheers by saying, “I think they like you!” Howie Mandel added,

“20 years is a long time but well worth the wait.”

He further noted that Sanchez had made the song her own. Mel B. called her voice “beautiful” and said she was left without words after hearing her sing.

The judges admired both Jessica's singing ability and the timing of Jessica's return.

Sofía Vergara shared how meaningful it was that Sanchez returned to the show in the 20th season, exactly 20 years after her initial audition.

Vergara also said how special it was to be pregnant and return to the stage of America's Got Talent.

After Vergara shared her thoughts, she hit the Golden Buzzer. Jessica stood on stage while golden confetti was falling and she appeared emotional as the audience cheered.

This was a big moment for Jessica. While some viewers remembered her from the show's inaugural season, with this performance, she had an opportunity to gain some new fans.

Jessica reflects on her journey since season 1 of America's Got Talent

Before her performance, Jessica shared some of the struggles she had with music after being introduced on America's Got Talent at a young age.

She explained that being young made it difficult to understand her true identity and she often followed things that others expected from her.

As a result, Jessica slowly moved away from music - but ultimately, she was able to return to music from a more authentic place.

“Throughout the years I kind of fell out of love of music because I was really young and I was so swayed by what everyone wanted me to be, who they wanted me to be,” she shared.

Sanchez also shared some big life updates. She mentioned that she got married recently and now has a baby on the way. 

With those life milestones to celebrate personally, she said it made her return even more special, as she said she feels like she can now perform with a lot more clarity and confidence.

The judges were delighted to see her and praised her growth. Her story showed how long America's Got Talent has been around, and how it still offers opportunities to individuals, even those who appeared on the show years ago.

Stay tuned for more updates.