How Jessica Sanchez’s America’s Got Talent Season 20 Win Made History

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Jessica Sanchez‘s got talent.

The singer won the 20th season of *America’s Got Talent*, defeating freestyle rapper Chris Turner in the finale on September 24th.

For the 30-year-old contestant, reaching this point was the culmination of two decades of effort. She originally tried out for the NBC competition in 2006, but didn’t make it to the final round.

She shared with *Billboard* that being on the first season of the show at age 10 led to years of feeling discouraged and like she hadn’t succeeded. She had to rebuild her confidence and keep pursuing her goals. Over the past 20 years, she’s faced challenges discovering her identity both as an artist and as a person.

Jessica’s win felt incredibly special, marking a complete journey for her. It also made history on *AGT* – she’s the first winner to achieve the title while nine months pregnant with her and husband Rickie Gallardo’s first child.

She described this as the most physically and vocally challenging experience of her life. Dealing with hormonal changes and the physical demands of her pregnancy – thankfully, her baby is healthy – meant she essentially had to relearn how to sing, as the growing baby was pressing on her diaphragm.

That’s why American Idol alum thinks the word that perfectly encapsulates her journey is “surrender.”

She admitted that being pregnant made this experience unexpected. ‘I never imagined my first pregnancy would involve learning to sing and perform,’ she said.

As many of you know, my time on *America’s Got Talent* was incredible, and it wrapped up in such a wonderful way. Now, I’m entering a really exciting new chapter! My pregnancy is nearing its end, and I’m so ready to embrace motherhood. It feels like a beautiful transition, and I can’t wait to share this journey with all of you.

She’s excited to share her music with her child. As Jessica explained, she’s continuing to grow and experience wonderful things in her life.

For more behind-the-scenes stories from America’s Got Talent, read on.

It’s a lengthy process before anyone appears before the judges – Howie Mandel, Mel B, Sofía Vergara, and Simon Cowell – on season 20. According to Theresa Graham, a director at NBCUniversal, they start with virtual open calls to reach as many potential contestants as possible. Anyone can sign up for a virtual audition with the casting team, and if they impress, they move on to an audition for the executive producers. Only then, if approved, will an act perform for the judges. Contestants can also try out in person, or by submitting a video audition.

Get ready to showcase your talent! Open call auditions will allow up to 90 seconds for each performance. Keep in mind, though, that producers can adjust these time limits if needed.

 

There are quite a few restrictions on what performers can bring. While some acts use fire, it’s not allowed during open call auditions. If an act includes an animal, performers must submit an Animal Information Form and proof of vaccinations. Other prohibited items include coolers (except for medical needs), fireworks, weapons, sharp tools, self-defense sprays, illegal drugs, alcohol, and anything involving fire or pyrotechnics.

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

According to the rules of *America’s Got Talent*, contestants who need to travel long distances to audition will have their airfare paid for. Those who live closer will receive a bus or train ticket, or reimbursement for gas. The show also provides hotel rooms and a daily allowance to cover meals and other necessary expenses.

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 prepared for close-up shots. However, once contestants advance past the auditions, the show *does* provide hair and makeup support. In Season 19 alone, makeup artist Tonia Green shared on Instagram that her team worked with hundreds of contestants.

Contestants are able to practice their performances during rehearsals. But rehearsals aren’t just for going through the acts themselves. 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 camera angles.

The winner of *America’s Got Talent* receives a $1 million prize, but it’s not paid out all at once. The prize is given as an annuity – meaning payments spread out over forty years. Alternatively, the winner can choose to receive a lump sum, which is the current value of those annuity payments. If a winner opts for the annuity, they’ll receive $25,000 each year before taxes.

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2025-09-26 04:17