MANILA, Philippines — Fans hoping to witness a powerhouse stage collaboration were met with disappointment just hours before showtime. The “Unkabogable Star” Vice Ganda announced that she would no longer be able to perform as a special guest at Jessica Sanchez’s highly anticipated Manila concert.
The sudden withdrawal was made public via social media on Saturday afternoon, directly ahead of the concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
In an official statement released online, the It’s Showtime host expressed deep regret over the last-minute cancellation, citing unexpected scheduling or personal complications:
- The Announcement: “This is to regretfully inform everyone that I will no longer be performing at Jessica Sanchez’s concert scheduled today, May 16, 2026,” Vice Ganda shared.
- The Mutual Respect: While the media icon did not elaborate on the specific root cause behind the sudden pullout, she maintained an incredibly supportive posture toward the international singer. “Much as I am looking forward to perform in the said concert, I won’t be able to attend and perform due to some unforeseen circumstances. I wish Jessica good luck and my heartfelt congratulations in advance. I sincerely hope to work with her in the future,” she added.
The Big Dome concert serves as a massive milestone celebration for the 30-year-old Filipino-American vocal powerhouse, marking her grand return to the Philippine entertainment landscape.
The concert, dubbed “Jessica Sanchez: Live in Manila,” doubles as a victory celebration for her historic triumph as the champion of America’s Got Talent Season 20, alongside the rolling out of her brand-new studio album, Szn. The victory carried intense personal emotional weight for Sanchez, who performed throughout her entire AGT championship run while pregnant, subsequently giving birth to her first daughter, Eliana Mae Gallardo, in October 2025.
While Vice Ganda’s comedic timing and stage presence were sorely missed by attendees, the concert lineup remained absolutely packed with some of the biggest, most prestigious names in Original Pilipino Music (OPM):
- The Icons: The concert continued to boast legendary stage sets from the Philippines’ music royalty, including Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Gary Valenciano, and Martin Nievera.
- The Contemporary Heavyweights: Showgoers were treated to powerhouse performances from hitmakers Morissette Amon (who recently dropped a major collaborative track with Sanchez), Darren Espanto, and Viva artist James Reid.
Despite the late-stage adjustment to the evening’s program, music enthusiasts and local fanbases continued to heavily rally behind the American Idol alumna, turning the Araneta homecoming into a showcase of absolute vocal mastery.