Filipino-American singer and “America’s Got Talent” Season 20 grand winner Jessica Sanchez shared her excitement, plans, and reflections on her long musical journey during a recent ambush interview, expressing pride in representing Filipinos on the global stage.

Sanchez said she is looking forward to her upcoming performances, noting that she wants to be deliberate in choosing the songs she will sing, especially as she represents the Philippines.

“I’m very excited for that. I think I need some time to really plan out what I’m gonna be singing because I’ll be representing the Filipinos, so I wanna take my time figuring out my song choices,” Sanchez said in an ambush interview during her courtesy call to the President at the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday. 

The singer also revealed that she is set to release a new album in the first quarter of the upcoming year. The project will feature original songs, with plans to include Tagalog tracks and collaborations with Filipino artists.

“I’m very excited for you to hear the new music,” Sanchez said.

Reflecting on her career, Sanchez described her success as the culmination of a long and challenging journey that began at a young age. 

She recalled auditioning for “America’s Got Talent” at 11 years old and being rejected, returning to the spotlight at 16 through “American Idol,” and falling short of the top prize. 

Two decades later, she finally claimed victory on the AGT stage.

“I feel like when something is really worth it, when something is meant for you, it’s a long journey,” she said. “I’m so happy that my journey was recorded for my world to see.”

Sanchez said the wait and repeated setbacks were difficult, but she described the past year as especially meaningful. Alongside her AGT victory, she also welcomed her first child.

“That was a struggle. But this was really my year because not only did I win, but I was also pregnant and I gave birth to my first baby, and I’ve been on cloud nine,” she said.

The singer ended the interview with a message of encouragement, particularly for fellow Filipinos aspiring to pursue their dreams.

“It’s well worth it, so just keep on pushing, keep on fighting,” Sanchez said. “I feel like, as Filipinos, we are just naturally talented with that voice, so just keep on pursuing your dreams.”