JESSICA SANCHEZ DEDICATES GOLDEN BUZZER MOMENT TO FILIPINO FANS

Over a decade ago, the world watched in awe as a 16-year-old Jessica Sanchez stood on the "American Idol" stage and delivered performances that rivaled vocalists twice her age.

- By CARLO OROSA

With her emotional depth and soaring vocals, she quickly became a household name, ultimately finishing as runner-up on Season 11. But while her "Idol" journey was extraordinary, her story was far from over.

Fast forward to 2025, and Jessica has made a stunning return. This time, it's on "America's Got Talent." In a powerful full-circle moment, she finally performed in front of Simon Cowell, whom she never met during her "Idol" days. And if there was ever any doubt that she still had "it," one unforgettable moment silenced it for good: Sofia Vergara rising from her seat and slamming the Golden Buzzer.

"I was completely overwhelmed in the best way possible," Jessica shared in an exclusive interview with The STAR. "It felt like a dream. That moment was filled with so many emotions: gratitude, disbelief, joy. To see Sofia stand up and hit that buzzer meant the world to me. It was validation for all the years of hard work, and for a moment, I felt like that little girl again who just loves to sing."