America’s Got Talent Season 20 Winner Revealed

by

Warning: This story contains spoilers from the Sept. 24 episode of America’s Got Talent.

America’s Got Talent has crowned a new champion.

Jessica Sanchez, who was heavily pregnant, was the winner of season 20 of NBC’s reality competition show. She received a $1 million prize, and the announcement was made on September 24th during the finale.

Jessica was overcome with emotion as she accepted her award. “This is incredible, thank you all so much,” she told the audience.

After several weeks of competition, the field of twenty contestants was reduced to the top ten: rapper Mama Duke, aerialists Sirca Marea, rapper Micah Palace, the light-up dance group LightWire, musician Steve Ray Ladson, dance group Team Recycled, singer Jourdan Blue, the Leo High School Choir, and improv rapper Chris Turner.

On September 23rd, all ten performers delivered their final performances, hoping to impress the audience and earn enough votes to win.

But ultimately, Sanchez’s vocal talents proved unbeatable.

A surprising omission from the *AGT20* finals was Tom Sandoval, known from *Vanderpump Rules*. He initially gained attention this season when he auditioned with his band, Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras.

The Bravolebrity received some rave reviews following his group’s first tryout in June.

“You made me smile,” said Mel B after their performance of A-ha’s classic song, “Take on Me.” She added that they seemed to be having a lot of fun, and that the song was a personal favorite of hers.

During Sandoval’s semifinal performance, the band’s rendition of The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” didn’t go well, and they were eliminated from the competition.

During the August 21st episode, Simon Cowell said he enjoyed both Tom and the band’s performance. However, he added that the performance itself didn’t sound very good, at least from his perspective.

Sofía Vergara remained positive, saying she enjoyed the band and the song, even though the sound quality wasn’t perfect. She thought the performance was really fun.

Catch up on AGT any time on Peacock.

In the meantime, keep reading for little-known secrets about America’s Got Talent.

It takes a lot of steps to get on ‘America’s Got Talent’ before appearing in front of judges Howie Mandel, Mel B, Sofía Vergara, and Simon Cowell for season 20. According to Theresa Graham, NBCUniversal’s director of unscripted formats, the process begins with open auditions – both online and in person – allowing anyone to submit an audition. The casting team and producers then review these submissions, and if they see potential, the act moves on to the executive producers. Only after approval from the executive producers will an act perform for the judges, and that’s when viewers get to see what happens. Contestants can audition in person, virtually, or by submitting a video.

Get ready to showcase your talent! Open call auditions will allow up to 90 seconds for each performer. Just keep in mind that producers may adjust these time limits if needed.

 

There are a number of things performers need to be aware of. Although some acts use fire, it’s not permitted during open call auditions. If an act includes an animal, performers must submit an Animal Information Form and proof of current vaccinations. The rules also prohibit coolers (except for medical needs), fireworks, weapons, sharp objects, self-defense sprays, illegal drugs, alcohol, and any props that involve fire or pyrotechnics.

After contestants pass the first rounds, they audition for the judges. Luckily, they don’t have to cover the travel costs themselves.

According to the rules for *America’s Got Talent*, contestants who have to travel a long distance to the audition will receive plane tickets. Those who live closer will get a bus or train ticket, or reimbursement for gas. They also receive free hotel rooms and a daily allowance for meals and other needs.

Contestants on *America’s Got Talent* need to arrive with their hair and makeup already done for the initial judges’ auditions. The show doesn’t provide these services during that first round, but expects performers to be ready for close-up shots. However, once contestants advance past the auditions, the show *does* offer hair and makeup support. Makeup artist Tonia Green, who works on *AGT*, shared on Instagram that her team worked with hundreds of contestants during season 19.

Contestants are able to practice their performances during rehearsals, but that’s not all they go through. Sofie Dossi, a former contestant on *America’s Got Talent*, explained in a 2024 YouTube video that there’s also a “results rehearsal.” This helps everyone know where to go after the results are announced – whether they’re eliminated or moving forward – and allows the crew to set up lighting and cameras properly.

The winner of *America’s Got Talent* receives a $1 million prize, but it’s not paid out all at once. The prize money is distributed as an annuity over forty years, meaning the winner receives $25,000 each year before taxes. Alternatively, the winner can choose to receive a lump sum equal to the present value of the annuity instead of the yearly payments.

Read More

2025-09-25 06:17