QUEZON CITY, Philippines — In a homecoming fit for a winner, Filipino-American powerhouse Jessica Sanchez graced the stage of “It’s Showtime” on Saturday, May 9, 2026. Fresh off her historic victory as the America’s Got Talent (AGT) Season 20 Grand Champion, Sanchez opened the show with a stirring performance that left both the studio audience and the “Madlang People” in awe.
Sanchez performed her viral AGT audition song, “Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone.
- The Golden Legacy: This is the same performance that earned her a Golden Buzzer from judge Sofia Vergara during AGT’s landmark 20th season, catapulting her directly to the live shows.
- Double Duty: Beyond her opening number, Sanchez also served as a special guest judge for the show’s premier singing competition, “Tawag ng Tanghalan,” offering expert advice to the day’s contenders.
The appearance marked a heartfelt reunion between Sanchez and host Vice Ganda.
- A Seven-Year Gap: The two reminisced about Sanchez’s 2019 guesting on Gandang Gabi Vice, where Vice Ganda famously met the singer’s grandmother.
- Vice Ganda’s Fan Moment: The comedian admitted to being an avid follower of Sanchez’s AGT journey. “Excited ako. Dati napapanood ko lang yung performances niya sa AGT,” Vice Ganda remarked, before confirming a special guest appearance at Sanchez’s upcoming Manila show.
Her It’s Showtime visit serves as a final promotional stop before her massive homecoming concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
The All-Star Guest Lineup: The concert, produced by Wilbros Live, features an unprecedented gathering of OPM legends and modern stars:
- Regine Velasquez-Alcasid (Asia’s Songbird)
- Gary Valenciano (Mr. Pure Energy)
- Martin Nievera (Concert King)
- Vice Ganda (Unkabogable Star)
- Morissette (Asia’s Phoenix)
- Darren Espanto (Asia’s Pop Heartthrob)
- James Reid (Multimedia Prince)
2025 and 2026 have been transformative for Sanchez. In addition to winning the $1-million AGT prize, she recently celebrated a personal milestone—welcoming her daughter, Eliana Mae, in October. She also performed for regional heads of state at the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu earlier this week before flying to Manila for her media rounds.