Posted by ReyFort Media
AFTER winning “America’s Got Talent” Season 20 in September 2025 and taking home the $1 million prize, Jessica Sanchez soon entered a new chapter in her life, welcoming her daughter, Eliana May Gallardo, the following month.
Now that her baby is six months old, Jessica recently announced she is ready to perform live anew. In fact, she is mounting the Araneta Coliseum stage on May 16 for a major concert.
Jessica penned a message for her kababayans ahead of her May concert.
“Manila, I can’t wait to see you!,” she wrote on Instagram. “Join me for a very special night at the Araneta Coliseum on May 16 for my concert! It’s going to be a night of music, memories and celebrating this incredible journey with all of you.”
From the start of her pregnancy with her first child with husband Rickie Gallardo, Jessica frequently shared her journey on social media, describing it as a beautiful experience even as she competed on “America’s Got Talent.”
She is joyful about becoming a mother and described the journey as her “most precious” season.
“I’m only five months postpartum,” Jessica admitted. “It’s extremely hard. The first two months were quite difficult. My body has never been through anything like that before. There were several things going on. But I continued fighting.”
She will be with her husband Rickie and her daughter Eliana when she visits Manila in May.
Jessica and Rickie dated for nine years before tying the knot in 2021. Her single, “Two Lines,” which detailed her pregnancy, was released last year.
Rickie works as a lighting technician. He tends to keep a low profile. Jessica describes him as very supportive, her “rock,” especially during her music comeback.
They met in 2017 in one of Jessica’s concerts that was held in a church building. Rickie was doing the lighting in that venue.
A friend told him about Jessica’s performance; after that, he came back, saw her sing and sent her a video via Instagram with a message like, “I’m gonna marry you one day.”
Jessica said she doesn’t usually respond to random messages, but something about this one prompted her to reply. They spent time together almost daily for about a month before officially dating.
They quietly tied the knot in 2021 in an intimate ceremony. Jessica said the wedding was planned in just a couple of days, as their pastor was only available then, which meant not many family members were able to attend.
Rickie has been a strong source of support for Jessica, especially during her recent “AGT” return. He encouraged her to challenge herself, offered emotional affirmation and even shared messages of admiration for her online. Jessica was nine months pregnant during the show’s live rounds and finale.
When Jessica shared photos of her pregnancy, Rickie commented, “Watching you carry our child while still pouring your heart into every performance has left me in awe.”
Jessica has been to Manila first for a tour of “American Idol,” where she finished runner-up to Phillip Phillips in its 11th season back in 2012.
A year after she placed second in “American Idol,” Jessica came out with her debut album, “Me, You and the Music,” with “Tonight,” the lead single featuring vocals from Ne-Yo. The single debuted in March 2013.
That same year, she guested in the TV drama series, “Glee,” which happened in April 2013 and was reprised in May. In November, she was seen rendering the “Star Spangled Banner” and “Lupang Hinirang” in the Manny Pacquiao versus Brandon Rios bout in Macau.
It will be remembered that Jessica staged a well-received, full-house concert at The Theater at Solaire back in 2018. Her special guest then was concert king Martin Nievera.
“Philippines is like my favorite stop,” Jessica said in an earlier interview. “I’m so excited to come back and to perform. I can’t wait to see you, guys, there.”
Jessica will definitely bring out the R&B, soul and pop diva in her when she returns to Manila this May.
Concert organizer Wilbros Live first announced the ticket details for “Jessica Sanchez: Live in Manila” in February.
Apart from the concert, Jessica revealed earlier this year that she is planning to release a new album. “I plan on collaborating with some Filipino artists and maybe doing a Tagalog song,” she said. (J.C. Salterio/ Malaya)
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