Jessica Sanchez is a Filipino American singer-songwriter who came to a national spotlight at the age of 10 on America’s Got Talent and subsequently finished as the runner-up on American Idol Season 11 in 2012. She is widely known as having a strong, soulful voice and emotional delivery and has made a multifaceted career in music, television, live shows, recording, and international collaborations.
She came back to America’s Got Talent in 2025, where she received a golden buzzer and mesmerized the audience with her grown-up artistry and self-discovery. As a soon-to-be mother, Jessica is at a life-changing and successful point in her career and life. It seems, just as Austin Brown this season, Jessica will dazzle the stage of AGT and will present a strong competition for the title.
Jessica Sanchez Biography | |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Jessica Elizabeth Sanchez |
| Birth Date | August 4, 1995 |
| Age | 30 Years |
| Birthplace | Chula Vista, California, USA |
| Height | 1.55 m (5 ft 1 in) |
| Parents | Gilbert and Editha Sanchez |
| Husband | Rickie Gallardo |
Early Life
Jessica Sanchez was born on August 4, 1995, in Chula Vista, California, in a rich culture due to her Filipino heritage. Her father, Gilbert Sanchez, is a Mexican-American from Texas who served as an Aviation Ordnanceman First Class Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserves.
Her mother, Edita Sanchez, is originally from Samal, Bataan, in the Philippines. Jessica is the eldest of three children and has two younger brothers. She found her voice at a young age, participating in local shows and talent contests, and even sang the national anthem at an NFL game with the San Diego Chargers in 2008.
Jessica Sanchez was 10 years old when she received a wildcard berth on America’s Got Talent, making her one of the youngest semi-finalists of the show. The experiences during these early years formed the foundation of her unique stage persona and emotive range as an actress.
Jessica Sanchez Career
Jessica Sanchez went even higher in 2012, when she auditioned for American Idol Season 11, dazzling judges and audiences with her performances of Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, and other classic artists. She came second behind Phillip Phillips, but the experience was critical, as she got a record deal with 19 and Interscope Records.
She subsequently sang at the National Memorial Day Concert in Washington, D.C., later that year, an indicator of the power of her voice and the impact she has on a national stage. In 2014, she released singles including Call Me, Stronger Together, and Caught Up; worked with Christian Bautista and Leroy Sanchez; and released a Christmas EP.
She also played high-profile shows such as the Democratic National Convention and benefit shows, and made appearances on TV programs. In 2019, she gave a concert abroad at the birthday of the Sultan of Brunei, which signals her international popularity.
Jessica made a stunning comeback performance on America’s Got Talent Season 20 in July 2025. She sang an audition of Beautiful Things by Benson Boone, which earned her a Golden Buzzer from judge Sofia Vergara. Jessica Sanchez described her own transformation, and then she disclosed that she is married and pregnant with her first child, a fact that resonated with the judges and the viewers alike.
The testimony, the moment, and the performance went viral. Critics hailed her comeback as emotionally powerful and musically successful, and fans saw it as an emotional extension of an exemplary and legendary career.
Social Media
Jessica Sanchez is an active Instagram star, with her account @jessicaesanchez boasting of over 300K followers who share her journey. Her feed includes performance videos of concerts and television shows, family, behind-the-scenes photos and videos, and news regarding her pregnancy and music.
Jessica also takes her platform to celebrate her heritage, interact with fans, and give a sneak peek into her studio sessions and day-to-day activities. The authenticity and professionalism combination strikes a chord, particularly with her cross-generational and multicultural fan base.
Personal Life
Jessica has been married to Rickie Gallardo since 2021. The two met in 2017, when Rickie was on duty as a lighting technician at one of Jessica’s concerts, and immediately developed a deep connection. They have developed a relationship that is not in the limelight but is based on mutual respect, values, and encouragement of one another in their aspirations.
She publicly announced that she was expecting their first child in July of 2025 during her emotionally charged AGT performance, which was a moment hailed as a high point in her changing personal life and development.
Jessica Sanchez Net Worth
Jessica Sanchez is estimated to have a net worth of about $2 million, which she has acquired via sales of her music, live concerts, television, and brand endorsements. She is still signed to 19/Interscope and Republic, which is a part of her revenue through streaming royalties, publishing rights, and recorded music sales.
Her earnings are also contributed to by the AGT Golden Buzzer prize, performance fees, and sponsorship opportunities associated with her pregnancy and tour. As new music is in the works, maybe including the baby-inspired songs, and with a growing number of platforms, her financial perspective is stable and future-oriented.