America’s Got Talent 2025 Grand Champion Jessica Sanchez is eagerly preparing for her highly anticipated homecoming concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on May 16, presented by Wilbros Live.
In a Zoom conference with entertainment media on March 13, Jessica expressed her excitement about the concert’s special guests, whose identities will be revealed next week.
Jessica Sanchez (Images courtesy of Facebook)
“It’s still under wraps, but I’m thrilled,” Jessica shared when asked for any hints about her special guests.
Businessman RS Francisco, who partnered with Wilbros Live for this much-anticipated concert, revealed that several performers have already been lined up to join Jessica on stage.
“Many artists are eager to perform with Jessica. After meeting with Wilbros, we’ve finalized the guest list, which will be announced next week. Most are artists who are excited to collaborate with Jessica, and the feeling is mutual. That’s all I can reveal for now.”
“Here’s a clue: when I told Jessica about one of the guests, she exclaimed, ‘Oh my God! She’s my favorite. She’s my idol.’ We also want to be inclusive. We will include our LGBT friends, so expect a diverse lineup,” RS added, noting that concert negotiations began in December 2025.
The Big Dome concert marks Jessica’s first major performance since winning America’s Got Talent 2025. She recalled the many thoughts racing through her mind on the eve of the AGT finals.
Jessica Sanchez and her daughter Eliana Mae
“So much was going on in my mind—not only was I making a comeback after 20 years, but I was also close to giving birth. My main goal was to stay as healthy and relaxed as possible.”
“But I surrendered everything to God. If it was meant to be, it would happen; if not, I was grateful to have made it that far. My determination came through on television, and that’s what mattered most. I’m proud of my journey—winning AGT 20 years later and nine months pregnant was truly incredible,” Jessica said.
In 2021, Jessica married Rickie Gallardo. But it was only in 2023 that she revealed she was happily married. Now a first-time mom, Jessica reflected on performing on “AGT” while pregnant.
“It was challenging—I felt like I had to relearn how to sing, since you sing with your diaphragm. But overcoming those difficulties made me realize how strong I am in facing challenges.”
Jessica, who gave birth to Eliana Mae in October 2025, said she loves motherhood. “It’s the biggest challenge I’ve ever faced. It has taught me to be a stronger woman. I absolutely adore my baby girl, and I love being a mom.”
Jessica Sanchez and Rickie Gallardo
The 30-year-old singer also shared that her baby responds whenever she sings to her.
“When I sang ‘Golden Hour’ on AGT, she would kick inside my belly every time. Now, whenever we play it on YouTube, she calms down instantly. If she’s crying, playing that song soothes her. She really enjoys my singing, which is so sweet.”
“She loves ‘Golden Hour,’ but there’s another song I sing to her—an Olivia Dean song. When I sing ‘So Easy (To Fall in Love),’ she just stops, stares at me, and then giggles,” she added.
Jessica first rose to fame as the runner-up in American Idol’s 11th season, but it was her triumphant comeback on AGT that earned her the grand prize. She believes her journey unfolded in God’s perfect timing. The Filipino-American singer also recalled feeling depressed during periods of career stagnation.
“I believe it happened in God’s timing. After finishing second on American Idol, I felt God wasn’t saying ‘no,’ just ‘not yet.’ I needed to build my character during those quiet, challenging times. I even stepped away from music for a while.
On the set of America’s Got Talent
“I kept posting cover songs, but I struggled with doubts—wondering if this path was really for me. After so many years without a breakthrough, I became depressed about my career. Twenty years later, I returned to AGT for another chance.
“God finally answered a prayer I’d held for years. Now, I know He has a mission and purpose for me in music. The Lord is my foundation—I wouldn’t be here without His grace and the support of my fans and followers,” she said.
When asked about lessons learned in showbiz, Jessica shared, “I’ve learned to be patient and to enjoy the process. People see me on TV and think things happen instantly, but it often takes long days and a lot of work.
“You also need to have thick skin. When you’re in the public eye, people judge quickly. I’ve been in the spotlight since I was 10, and I’ve heard my share of mean comments. I’ve learned that not everyone will love me, and that’s okay,” she said.
