Sanchez first appeared on talent competition TV nearly two decades ago as a child contestant on an earlier season of “AGT.” Over the years, her music career has seen various highs and lows, culminating in her breakthrough on “American Idol,” where she finished second place in Season 11.

Judges praise vocal talent and resilience

This season, Sanchez returned to “AGT” with a standout audition performance of Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things.” Her rendition earned her the coveted Golden Buzzer from judge Sofia Vergara, fast-tracking her into the next round of the contest.

In the semi-finals, she performed “Golden Hour” by JVKE. The emotionally charged performance was well received by both judges and viewers, further reinforcing her place among the season’s top competitors.

According to a September 2025 update from the show, Sanchez officially advanced to the final round alongside acts including Chris Turner, LightWire, Sirca Marea, Jourdan Blue, and the Leo High School Choir. The winner of this year’s contest will be determined by public vote.

A return to music shaped by faith

Despite national recognition early in her career, Sanchez says she later experienced a crisis of direction. She stepped away from the spotlight for a time, during which she focused on her spiritual foundation and developed a more personal connection with God.

Sanchez shared that she initially became distracted by the pursuit of fame and industry success. “You see the glitz and glam … and you think, ‘That’s what I want,’” she said, reflecting on that period. But over time, she came to believe that God was preparing her for something more grounded and meaningful.

“It took me 20 years, but I know exactly who I am and exactly what I want,” she said. Reconnecting with her faith helped her redefine her goals, with Sanchez now describing her identity as rooted in her relationship with Christ.

Competing at nine months pregnant

The physical demands of performing while carrying her first child have not gone unnoticed by Sanchez or her supporters. She recounts moments during performances when her baby actively moved in response to the music.

“Last night, she was moving so much during my performance,” Sanchez said with a laugh. “Every time I would sing that song, she was kicking. Big kicks.”

Despite the challenges, Sanchez continues to find strength through consistent spiritual practices. She reads Scripture daily and prays regularly with her husband, Rickie, whom she married in 2017. He has remained a constant source of spiritual encouragement in her life.

Wrestling with purpose and platform

Sanchez has frequently questioned the direction of her music journey. “There are times when I’m sobbing, just praying, asking God, ‘What do you want me to do with this voice?’” she said. Questions about whether to focus her efforts in a church setting or on mainstream stages have weighed on her for years.

Eventually, she came to believe that her opportunity on “AGT” was divinely orchestrated. “Then He opened this door for me,” she said, referring to her place on the show as part of God’s plan rather than her own.

Sanchez also views her current experience as a battlefield of faith. “It’s been a mental challenge, finding my voice again and staying on track,” she explained. “I feel like God is really testing my faith in this moment.”

Sharing faith through a national platform

As her story gains wider attention, Sanchez hopes that others will see her performances not only as artistic expressions but also as spiritual testimony. “If I can bring [Christ’s presence] through a song on stage, that’s what I want,” she said.

She has noticed an increasing number of mainstream musical artists becoming more open about their faith. “There’s a breakthrough happening,” she said. “I see it not just on stage but in my inner circle.”

Throughout her long journey in the public eye, one theme has remained constant: community. Sanchez has heard from longtime fans who have followed her since she was a ten-year-old aspiring singer. “They’ve seen my highs and my lows. Now I get to share that it’s all worth it,” she said.

Enduring lessons from a challenging season

Sanchez remarked that her return to the stage, especially under such personal and physical challenges, has given her renewed confidence in her life’s purpose. “Now my foundation is firm,” she said. “It’s not just about gifts and talents or other people’s opinions.”

Regardless of whether she is crowned the winner of this season’s “AGT,” Sanchez says she is grateful for the opportunity to perform again. “No matter the outcome, I’m just grateful to be here,” she said.

“God’s timing is perfect timing,” Sanchez added. “If I hadn’t gone through the struggles, it wouldn’t mean as much as it does today. Now I just want to share that with others—that the Lord is faithful.”