Jessica Sanchez (Jessica Elizabeth Sanchez, born August 4 1995 in Chula Vista, California) is an American singer whose career began with early public performances, including a 2005 appearance on Showtime at the Apollo. Her breakthrough came in 2011 when she auditioned for the eleventh season of American Idol, ultimately finishing as runner‑up on May 23 2012 after a judges’ save. That same year she signed with Interscope Records and released the EP American Idol Season 11 Highlights on July 3 2012. In 2013 she launched her debut studio album Me, You & the Music on April 30 2013, which peaked at number 26 on the Billboard 200; the single "Tonight" reached number 48 on the Digital Songs chart. Sanchez departed Interscope later that year and released the Christmas EP Christmas with Jessica on December 8 2015. In 2016 she issued the single "Stronger Together", which entered the Dance Club Songs chart at number 4. After a period of independent releases, Sanchez returned to national television in 2025, winning the twentieth season of America’s Got Talent on September 24 2025, becoming the first former contestant to win the show and the oldest female winner in its history.