NEW YORK — Filipino-American singer Jessica Sanchez, fresh off her victory as the 2025 grand champion of America’s Got Talent, paid a courtesy visit to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos at Malacañang on December 30, 2025, marking a celebratory stop in her ongoing Asia engagements.
Sanchez, who recently became a first-time mother, met with the First Couple for a 30‑minute conversation that blended lighthearted banter, cultural pride, and anticipation for her upcoming performances. The visit coincided with her Manila homecoming, where she headlined “The Grand Countdown to 2026” at Newport World Resorts—her first major Philippine show since winning AGT.
Warm Welcome at the Palace
President Marcos congratulated Sanchez for her international achievement, emphasizing the pride she brought to Filipinos worldwide.
“You made us all very, very proud,” Marcos told her, noting that her success reaffirmed the Philippines’ global reputation for musical excellence.
In a playful moment, the President even joked about volunteering as her manager, while the First Lady encouraged Sanchez to explore more of the country during her stay.
The First Lady also shared an anecdote underscoring Sanchez’s regional popularity, recalling a conversation with Singapore’s Prime Minister:
“Even in Singapore, they know you,” she said, adding that regional leaders were already familiar with the singer’s talent.
ASEAN Invitation and Artistic Growth
During the meeting, President Marcos formally invited Sanchez to perform at the ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in May 2026, which the Philippines will host.
“The problem is with the ASEAN, they expect now a really high level of performers and of musicality. We got the best,” Marcos said, expressing confidence in her ability to represent the country on the world stage.
Sanchez, reflecting on her artistic evolution since her teenage years on American Idol, said:
“I was just really young… Now I know who I am, I know what I want. So this time I’m coming fully confident.”
She also confirmed she is working on a new album slated for release in early 2026, including collaborations with Filipino artists and a planned Tagalog track.
Asia Trip and Upcoming Singapore Performance
Sanchez’s December 2025–January 2026 Asia trip included her Manila New Year’s Eve concert and preparations for additional regional engagements. While Philippine officials highlighted her popularity in Singapore, her team also confirmed that she is scheduled to perform there as part of her broader Asia appearances. (No specific Singapore concert date was provided in official reports, but the First Lady’s remarks confirm strong anticipation for her show there.)
Her Asia visit follows a landmark year: winning AGT Season 20, giving birth to her daughter in October 2025, and returning to the Philippines for her first major homecoming performance in years.
A Homecoming Filled With Pride
Sanchez expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and the opportunity to represent Filipinos internationally.
“I’ll be representing the Filipinos, so I wanna take my time figuring out my song choices,” she told reporters after the Palace meeting.
As she prepares for her Singapore appearance and the ASEAN Summit performance, Sanchez’s Asia tour marks a new chapter in a career defined by resilience, reinvention, and a deep connection to her Filipino roots.
