Unkabogable Star Vice Ganda has pulled out from the highly anticipated Manila concert of America's Got Talent Season 20 winner Jessica Sanchez.
The It's Showtime host had been scheduled to appear at Jessica's homecoming show at the Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, May 16. However, Vice announced his withdrawal just hours before the concert was set to begin.
In a Facebook post, Vice expressed regret over his absence, citing "unforeseen circumstances" as the reason he would be unable to attend.
“This is to regretfully inform everyone that I will no longer be performing at Jessica Sanchez’s concert scheduled today, May 16, 2026,” Vice said.
“Much as I am looking forward to performing in the said concert, I won’t be able to attend and perform due to some unforeseen circumstances,” he added.
He closed his message by wishing Jessica well and expressing hope that they would get to work together in the future.
“I wish Jessica good luck and my heartfelt congratulations in advance. I sincerely hope to work with her in the future,” Vice said.
Despite Vice's last-minute pullout, the concert is stacked with some of the biggest names in OPM. Also set to perform are Regine Velasquez, Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Morissette Amon, James Reid, and Darren Espanto.
For Jessica, the concert marks a meaningful homecoming. The 30-year-old Filipino-American singer first captured the public's hearts when she joined the eleventh season of American Idol, where she finished as runner-up.
Her win in America's Got Talent Season 20 carried even deeper significance — not only because she had previously competed in the show's very first season as a wildcard contestant, but also because she was pregnant throughout her entire journey to the title.
Jessica gave birth to her first daughter, Eliana Mae Gallardo, on October 13, 2025, with husband Rickie Gallardo.
Earlier this month, Jessica released a collaboration with Asia’s Phoenix, Morissette.
The song, titled “Stronger Than Before,” is an anthem about rising again after life’s setbacks.
In an Instagram post, Jessica shared that the song is especially meaningful to her. She also said she felt honored to work with Morissette on the track.
"This song is so deeply special to me. This is a reminder that no matter what life brings, we can rise, heal, and come back even stronger," Jessica wrote.
"I’m beyond excited to finally share this with you on May 1st, and even more honored to be releasing it alongside the incredible @itsmorissette. Creating this together has been such a powerful experience, and I can’t wait for you all to hear the heart behind every note.❤️," she added.
—By Paolo Lim