Jessica Sanchez is ‘America’s Got Talent’ season 20 champion

September 26 ------ She ain’t giving birth yet, but she delivered. The “America’s Got Talent” journey of Jessica Sanchez has gone full circle, as she was named the champion of the talent show’s 20th season. Sanchez, who is nine months pregnant, was declared the winner after her heartfelt performance of Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga’s “Die with a Smile” earned a standing ovation.

“Let’s give a round of applause for the Season 20 winner of AGT!” the caption of the post read, which included an announcement clip containing Sanchez’s face. Chris Turner bagged the second spot, while Jourdan Blue settled for third place. Sanchez, who burst into tears after she was proclaimed as the winner, expressed her gratitude for the support. “I’m sorry for getting so emotional. This is amazing, thank you so much,” she said.

The Filipino-American Sanchez was an alum of “America’s Got Talent,” having competed on the show’s debut season in 2006 when she was only 10 years old. However, she didn’t advance to the show’s grand finals at the time. She returned 19 years later with a vengeance, receiving the golden buzzer during her auditions.

The singer is also known for being a runner-up of “American Idol” season 11 in 2011. Among her most notable performances in the show are her renditions of Jennifer Holliday’s “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going,” Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You,” and Billy Joel’s “Everybody Has a Dream.” She released her debut single with the title track “Tonight” (a collaboration with Ne-Yo) two years later.

Born to a Filipina mother and a Mexican-American father, Sanchez’s vocal prowess was first made public after performing Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” in an episode of “Showtime at the Apollo” in 200

Source: inquirer.net