Jessica Sanchez, once an AGT season 1 contestant in 2006, made a stunning return in the 2025 finals while nine months pregnant, becoming the season’s most inspiring comeback story.

In the finale on Sept. 23, she performed Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With A Smile,” dazzling in an all-white outfit with fireworks, confetti, and a roaring standing ovation.

Sanchez’s journey began with her audition of Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things,” which amazed the judges and earned Sofía Vergara’s golden buzzer, sending her straight to the live rounds.

Sofía Vergara praised her finale act as “perfection,” calling her a “pregnant angel” with a voice unlike anything she had ever heard, expressing belief in her chances at the $1 million prize.

Mel B lauded Sanchez’s consistency, saying she immerses audiences in deep emotion and flawless pitch, while humorously noting that she stuck to plan by not giving birth before the finale.

Howie Mandel, critical of her earlier choices, reversed course after the finale, declaring Sanchez’s performance “the highlight of the night” and applauding her show-stopping delivery.