Jessica Sanchez Triumphs on America’s Got Talent 2025, Nearly 20 Years After First Audition

In a moment that feels like destiny fulfilled, Jessica Sanchez has been crowned winner of America’s Got Talent Season 20, bringing her journey with the show full circle after nearly 20 years.

Jessica first auditioned for AGT in its inaugural season as a 10-year-old, but did not progress to the final rounds. Now, as a mature artist, she’s proven how far she’s come — and how determined she’s remained.

In her first audition for Season 20, Jessica received a Golden Buzzer from judge Sofía Vergara after singing “Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone, launching her into the live rounds.

The climax of Season 20 came on September 24. Jessica sang “Die With a Smile” (by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars) with poise and emotional resonance, captivating both the audience and judges. When host Terry Crews announced her as the winner, she was visibly overcome with gratitude and joy.

Her closest competitor was freestyle rapper Chris Turner, who placed second, while singer Jourdan Blue secured third place. The top five also included the Leo High School Choir (fourth) and LED dance group LightWire (fifth).

The finale itself was steeped in spectacle: guest performances came from the likes of Leona Lewis, Ciara, Aloe Blacc, Manuel Turizo, and Neal Schon, along with past AGT winner Richard Goodall. The event also featured returning acts such as magicians Piff the Magic Dragon, Shin Lim, and Mat Franco.

Jessica’s win carries deeper significance: she clinched the title while nine months pregnant with her first child.  She announced her pregnancy just days after auditioning for this season.

In interviews, she shared that this win is not just about money — it represents 20 years of fighting for her dreams, and she hopes it serves as inspiration for her daughter.

Although the franchise continues to promote a $1 million prize, media reports reveal a caveat: winners must accept it as a 40-year annuity (at $25,000 per year) or a reduced lump sum after taxes — meaning Jessica may not take home the full million in cash immediately.

For Jessica, the victory is rooted in perseverance. She has publicly expressed gratitude to her supporters and reflected on how her setbacks shaped her.  She also sees this win as symbolic: not just an achievement for her, but a message she hopes to pass on to her child.

Her win also marks a major milestone in AGT’s history: she became the show’s first former contestant to win.

As Season 20 concludes, Jessica Sanchez’s journey from a hopeful 10-year-old auditioning in 2006 to a triumphant winner in 2025 stands as a testament to resilience — and the idea that sometimes dreams come full circle.