Jessica Sanchez’s fans celebrate the power of second chances

Filipinos have long carried an unofficial “list” of their champions in global competitions – from Miss Universe and Asia’s Next Top Model to American Idol, even to sports arenas.

But when their “pambato” shines brightly yet only finishes in second place, they never forget.

That sentiment resurfaced in a wave of humor and heartfelt relief after Jessica Sanchez’s recent victory on America’s Got Talent.

For many Filipinos watching around the world, the Filipino American powerhouse singer’s triumph felt more than just another win. It’s a testament to the power of redemption and second chances.

Fans online joked that the win “healed something in them,” with many quipping that she was no longer a “Multo” on the international stage. 

“Multo” is a term derived from “Cup of Joe’s” hit song with the same title which refers to someone or something that lingers like a ghost, present but unfulfilled, seen yet not fully realized.

Si Janine Tugonon naman! Let’s take back 2012! https://t.co/z3V6CJy8Y6 pic.twitter.com/I4owPkqMk2

— Tito Gus#ElderMillennial (@GusAgustin) September 25, 2025

Some even declared that Sanchez could now be officially erased from their notorious “robbed” list.

That list, buried into the collective Filipino memory, includes icons like Miss Universe 2012 first runner-up Janine Tugonon. Just like Sanchez, Tugonon competed in 2012 and narrowly missed the crown, losing to USA’s Olivia Culpo. 

“We lost to Americans twice in 2012,” one fan commented, recalling that Sanchez had also fallen short that same year against Phillip Phillips, who claimed the American Idol Season 11 title.

1 down https://t.co/O6pTxdYwSs pic.twitter.com/WdLHqh2vGJ

— ɢɪᴀɴ (@ENGENE_twts) September 25, 2025

Others even humorously rallied online, saying, “Si Janine Tugonon naman! Let’s take back 2012.”

The “robbed” roster doesn’t stop there. Fans often cite Marina Summers, who came close to winning on Drag Race, and actress Dolly de Leon, who was tipped for an international acting trophy but left empty-handed.

Still, many believe these figures will eventually have their moment on the world stage, except for Tugonon, who has since closed that chapter.

For Sanchez, however, destiny finally circled back. From joining the very first season of “America’s Got Talent” at age 10, where she reached the semifinals, to becoming a runner-up on “American Idol” six years later, her journey has been marked by near-wins and what-ifs. This time, the ending was rewritten.

The post Jessica Sanchez’s fans celebrate the power of second chances appeared first on USNewsRank.