Jessica Elizabeth Sanchez won the 20th season of America’s Got Talent (AGT) on Wednesday night, further cementing her name in the music and entertainment industry.
The Filipino-American singer, who is due to give birth in a few weeks, defeated nine other acts that reached the live finale of the show.
Sanchez is set to receive a $1 million check and a paid trip to the Epic Universe theme park.
Freestyle rapper Christopher Peter Joseph Turner came in second in the talent competition, while crowd favourite and singer Jourdan Blue finished in third place.
The Leo High School Choir and LightWire also finished in the top five of America’s Got Talent.
Mama Duke, Micah Palace, Sirca Marea, Steve Ray Ladson, and Team Recycled complete the grand finals cast.
Dream come true
Winning the 20th edition of AGT was also a dream come true for Sanchez after failing to win the first season of AGT back in 2006.
The singer tried her luck in the talent competition at a young age but was eliminated during the semi-finals round.
She went back on the same stage almost two decades later to fulfill her ultimate dream and finally won.
“God placed me here for a reason, and I honestly cannot believe I’m the winner. It’s insane, I’m still in so much shock!” she said in an Instagram live after the finale.
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Amazing run
Sanchez started her AGT 2025 journey by singing her own rendition of “Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone for the audition round.
Her amazing performance propelled her to the live shows after receiving a “Golden Buzzer” from Sofia Vergara.
“You look like a little pregnant angel. I mean you look beautiful, your voice, I’ve never heard anything like that. Bravo Jessica,” Vergara said after her audition.
During the live quarter-finals, Sanchez performed her cover of “Ordinary” by Alex Warren while eight months pregnant.
It was enough to secure her spot in the semi-finals.
At 9 months pregnant, the singer delivered her own version of “Golden Hour” by JVKE.
AGT judges Sofia Vergara, Simon Cowell, and Mel B praised her performance but Howie Mandel reiterated the importance of song choice.
During the finals competition on Tuesday, Sanchez performed a cover of “Die With A Smile” by Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga, earning a standing ovation from all four judges.
Journey to motherhood
Sanchez is expected to drive back to Texas in preparation for the arrival of her first child.
The artist shared that she will name her baby “Eliana”.
She recently released a new single called “Two Lines” to share her happiness after finding out she was pregnant.
“This song will always take me back to that life-changing day, the start of a beautiful journey, and a reminder that God’s timing is always perfect,” the singer said on Instagram.
Sanchez, who redeemed herself from her runner-up finish in American Idol back in 2012, is now expected to balance her time between motherhood and career opportunities that will come with her America’s Got Talent win.
“I just can’t wait to share the next chapter with you guys. You guys have been there from the beginning, really. Since I was 10, I just can’t wait to continue this journey with you guys.”
“Thank you again so much. I love every single one of you from the bottom of my heart,” the winner also said.
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