America’s Got Talent winner Jessica Sanchez reflects on her emotional victory and fulfilling a lifelong dream

Jessica Sanchez Takes the Crown on America’s Got Talent Season 20

September 24, 2025 — Winner announced after a stirring comeback and standout finale performances.

Jessica Sanchez celebrating her win onstage at America’s Got Talent Season 20 — Jessica Sanchez, winner of America’s Got Talent Season 20. Photo credit: Trae Patton/NBC

Jessica Sanchez, 30, was named the champion of America’s Got Talent Season 20 on Wednesday night, completing a decades-long return to the spotlight. Her victory, announced on September 24, 2025, came after a powerful final showing that narrowly beat freestyle rapper Chris Turner.

Sanchez’s journey began as a child contestant in the show’s early years; after first auditioning in 2006, she spent many years navigating setbacks before staging this triumphant comeback. In an emotional conversation after the finale, she said the win fulfilled a long-held aspiration and marked the culmination of years of perseverance and self-belief.

Finale performances and reception

In the closing performances Sanchez delivered a deeply felt rendition of “Die With A Smile” (originally by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars), a moment that earned praise from judge Sofía Vergara and overwhelming audience support. Earlier in the finals she performed “Golden Hour” by JVKE alongside aerial ensemble Sirca Marea, a staging that helped secure her spot in the last round.

The final field included a diverse slate of acts — Mama Duke, Micah Palace, Steve Ray Ladson, Team Recycled, LightWire, Jourdan Blue, Leo High School Choir, Sirca Marea and Chris Turner — and Sanchez emerged as the season’s standout.

As the season’s winner she receives the $1 million grand prize and an all-expenses-paid visit to Universal’s Epic Universe theme park, signaling a new chapter both personally and professionally.

Conversation with Jessica Sanchez

How has AGT shaped your life, and why did returning matter so much?

Sanchez reflected that AGT ignited her earliest ambitions: standing on that stage as a child opened a door to bigger dreams. Though initial rejection was painful, she persisted — using the years since to grow as an artist and as a person. At 30 and about to become a mother, she says her priorities and perspective have shifted, and the experience now feels both familiar and profoundly different.

What were your thoughts in the final moments on stage?

Reaching the final two left Sanchez feeling proud and reflective. Seeing so many talented performers walk offstage made her aware of how far she’d come; memories of her ten-year-old self surfaced, and she took pride in her journey regardless of the result. When her name was called, the rush of emotion was overwhelming — a mixture of disbelief and gratitude.

How did pregnancy affect your preparation and performances?

Performing nine months pregnant brought both physical and vocal obstacles. Sanchez described re-learning breath control as her growing baby shifted her diaphragm, and she admitted the season required extra patience and determination. Despite discouraging moments, she pushed through and credits her faith and support system for sustaining her.

Any moments when you thought it might be over?

She summarized the experience with the word “surrender,” explaining that relinquishing control and trusting the process helped her persevere. The finale — sharing the stage with exceptional acts — felt like a blessing and a powerful moment of gratitude.

What comes next?

With her pregnancy nearing its end, Sanchez is preparing to embrace motherhood while continuing to make music. She recently released an intimate song about her pregnancy, “Two Lines,” and plans to keep writing and recording — hoping her story encourages others to chase their dreams.

What would you say to young fans who watched you win?

Sanchez urged young viewers to study her history online: a journey marked by setbacks, rejections and mistakes. Her message is persistent — keep going. Twenty years after her first audition, her perseverance paid off, and she hopes her path shows that progress is possible even when the road is imperfect.