Jessica Sanchez, a Chula Vista and former American Idol runner-up, went from the golden buzzer to grabbing the gold on Wednesday night on the NBC show America’s Got Talent.
Sanchez, who is $1 million richer, thanks to her first-place finish in the hit show’s 20th season finale, delivered what Billboard magazine called a “flawless” finale when she performed JVKE’s “Golden Hour,” which she also performed in the semifinal. And she did it while she was nearly nine month’s pregnant (her baby is due on Oct. 12).
NBC 7’s Audra Stafford caught up with the AGT alum as she returned on stage.
“This is amazing, thank you so much, America,” Sanchez said after getting the top nod.
“After weeks of competition, the Season 20 hopefuls were narrowed down to the top 10, which included rapper Mama Duke, aerialists Sirca Marea, rapper Micah Palace, light-up dance group LightWire, musician Steve Ray Ladson, dance group Team Recycled, singer Jourdan Blue, the Leo High School Choir and improv rapper Chris Turner,” reported E!
An NBC camera crew caught up with Sanchez prior to her coronation, when she showed the love for her hometown: “What’s up, all my San Diegans! It’s Jessica Sanchez, your hometown girl. I just want to say thank you so much for your immense support and love throughout the many, many years. I love you guys so much, and I’m really hoping I can take the win for us home. I love you guys. I love you, San Diego, you’re amazing.”
This was not Sanchez’s first appearance on AGT — in fact, it’s where she first got her first taste of reality TV stardom 20 years ago. Earlier this season, asked what she had to say to her hometown fans, she gushed, “My heart is always in San Diego…. I can’t wait to make you guys proud.”
Sadly, Sanchez has moved on from San Diego County and lives in Texas these days, but she’ll always be a part of Chula Vista history now.
Miss the big finale? You can catch up on AGT anytime on Peacock.