From Seafood City to stardom: How Jessica Sanchez returned to 'America's Got Talent' 20 years later

Jessica Sanchez grew up in the South Bay, the daughter of Filipino and Mexican American parents. Her mother says she started singing as soon as she could talk. By age 10, Jessica was performing all over San Diego's South Bay, including her local Seafood City grocery store, before taking the national stage on the very first season of "America's Got Talent." By 16, she became the runner-up on "American Idol." She quickly became a hometown icon — someone people here were cheering for.  Jessica was molded into a musical prodigy.

But as quickly as she rose, the pressure and expectations began to weigh on her.

She questioned her place in the music industry and withdrew from the spotlight. What brought her home to San Diego? And what gave her the strength to return to the national stage, nearly two decades later?

Guests:

• Jessica Sanchez, singer
• Anamaria Labao Cabato, executive director of PASACAT Philippine Performing Arts Company
• Shoppers at Seafood City Supermarket in Bay Plaza

Sources:

• Chula Vista's Jessica Sanchez Advances to 'American Idol' Finale (City News Service via KPBS, May 2012)
• 'American Idol' Finale: Phillip Phillips Wins Title Over Jessica Sanchez (City News Service via KPBS, May 2012)
• Jessica Sanchez's first appearance on 'America's Got Talent' (2006)
• Jessica Sanchez performs Whitney Houston's 'I Will Always Love You' on 'American Idol' (2012)
• Jessica Sanchez performs 'I Have Nothing' on 'American Idol' (2012)
• 'Tonight' by Jessica Sanchez ft. Ne-Yo (2013)
• Jessica Sanchez's early YouTube cover of Bruno Mars' 'Just the Way You Are' (2014)
• Jessica Sanchez's Golden Buzzer performance of Benson Boone's 'Beautiful Things' on 'America's Got Talent' (2025)
• Jessica Sanchez's Quarterfinal performance of Alex Warren's 'Ordinary' on 'America's Got Talent' (2025)
• Jessica Sanchez's Finals performance of Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga's 'Die With a Smile' on 'America's Got Talent' (2025)