September 5, 2025 | 11:10am
MANILA, Philippines — Filipino-American singer Jessica Sanchez advanced to the semifinal round of “America’s Got Talent” Season 20, hoping to go one step further than her initial appearance during the talent show competition’s inaugural season.
Jessica was one of three contestants from the third quarterfinal voted by individuals in the United States to advance to the penultimate round.
Joining her were Mastermind and Chris Turner. Their fellow quarterfinalist in this round Micah Palace is heading straight to the finals after receiving the golden buzzer from judge Simon Cowell.
Two other contestants — Steve Ray Ladson and Mama Duke — are also automatic finalists via golden buzzers while six others were voted to move on to the semifinals. The fourth and last quarterfinal will take place next week.
After host Terry Crews announced Jessica as the last semifinalist from the the third quarterfinal, she received applause from Simon and his fellow judges.
Mel B and Sofia Vergara, the latter having given Jessica the golden buzzer during her audition performance of Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things,” even stood up during their applause.
“Oh, my gosh. I’m on cloud nine right now. Thank you so much everybody, I appreciate it,” Jessica said after the announcement.
Simon noted to Jessica that the show has seen numerous singers in the past, but in his opinion sees something special in the Filipino-American artist.
“You come back next with the right song choice. I would say right now you are the one to beat,” Simon added.
Jessica, who is currently eight months pregnant, had performed Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” in the quarterfinals.
Howie Mandel agreed with Simon’s comments and called Jessica amazing.
“I’m just concerned that at this point in your life that you make it without giving birth,” Howie quipped.
Jessica was only 10 years old when she made it all the way to the semifinal round of the very first season of “America’s Got Talent.”
Six years later she finished as the first runner-up of “American Idol” Season 11 behind Phillip Phillips. — Videos from the “America’s Got Talent” YouTube channel
RELATED: Golden girl: Jessica Sanchez sings ‘Kpop Demon Hunters’ hit with TikTok stars
