On December 30, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. officially extended an invitation to America’s Got Talent Season 20 grand winner Jessica Sanchez to perform at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders’ Summit, which the Philippines is set to host next year.

During Sanchez’s courtesy visit to the Malacañan, President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos personally congratulated the singer for bringing pride and honor to the country through her recent achievement.

In an ambush interview, Sanchez shared that she would need time to carefully plan the song she will perform, noting that she will be representing Filipinos on the international stage at ASEAN 2026.

The singer also revealed that she is preparing to release a new album in the first quarter of 2026. She expressed excitement about including several Tagalog tracks, collaborating with OPM artists, and said she hopes Filipino listeners will embrace her upcoming music.

“You know, I feel like when something is really worth it and when something is meant for you, it’s a long journey. And I’m so happy that my journey was recorded for the world to see,” the singer shared.

She added, “Just keep pushing, keep fighting, and I feel like as Filipinos, we’re naturally talented with that voice.”

Sanchez claimed the America’s Got Talent Season 20 title this year, marking the culmination of nearly two decades of perseverance after facing early challenges and runner-up finishes before finally securing the competition’s top honor.