Jessica Sanchez crowned winner of 'America's Got Talent' season 20 on NBC

Singer from ‘AGT’ season 1 returns to win coveted $1 million grand prize 

NBC Press Release & Photo

America has voted and named talented singer Jessica Sanchez the winner of “America’s Got Talent” season 20. Sanchez won America’s hearts and votes for her resilience, passion and innate talent, taking home the $1 million grand prize.

Sanchez first gained national attention on the inaugural season of “America's Got Talent” in 2006, making it to the semifinals at just 10 years old before being eliminated. After years of pursuing a career as a recording artist, she took a break from singing until her recent return to the stage where it all began. In the process, Sanchez rediscovered her voice, confidence and purpose. Twenty years later and with a baby girl on the way, she returned to “AGT” and now walks away a champion.

For her audition, Sanchez delivered a breathtaking performance of "Beautiful Things" by Benson Boone, earning a coveted “Golden Buzzer” from judge Sofia Vergara. Returning to the live shows at eight months pregnant, she pushed through despite feeling unwell in the quarterfinals and performed an emotional cover of “Ordinary” by Alex Warren, receiving high praises from the judges. She returned to the semifinals with a moving rendition of JVKE’s “Golden Hour,” solidifying her spot in the finals. On the performance finale – and just a couple of weeks from her due date – Sanchez belted out her own heartfelt arrangement of “Die With A Smile” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, receiving a standing ovation from the judges.

Vergara praised the performance as “perfection” and Mel B added, “Your vocals are flawless and pitch perfect every single time.” It was a full-circle moment with Simon Cowell explaining, “It was so important for our 20th anniversary that you came back, most importantly to show that even if you don’t win the first time, you have to always believe in yourself.”

Originally from San Diego and now living in Texas, Sanchez began singing at a young age and was inspired by legends such as Celine Dion and Whitney Houston. Self-taught, she developed her voice by ear, creating a sound that is intuitive, emotional and powerful. After years of struggling while chasing her dream to become a singer, Sanchez eventually stepped away from the spotlight and quit music. She then returned to “AGT” filled with purpose and perseverance, and to share the stage with her unborn daughter. Through her performances, she hopes to leave audiences with moments that stay with them.

Season 20 of “America’s Got Talent” concluded with a show-stopping finale at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium with judges Cowell, Howie Mandel, Vergara, Mel B and host Terry Crews. The telecast featured the top 10 finalists performing alongside memorable guests, including Grammy Award-winning artist Ciara, multi-Platinum and Grammy-nominated superstar Leona Lewis, Grammy-nominated artist Aloe Blacc, multi-Platinum musician Manuel Turizo, rock legend and Journey founder Neal Schon, “AGT” season 19 winner Richard Goodall, singer Danny O’Donoghue of The Script, and “AGT” fan favorite choir Sainted.

In addition to being the No. 1 summer entertainment broadcast series for 20 consecutive years, “AGT” also continues its digital dominance on social media this season with nearly 1.8 billion video views across its social accounts and YouTube.

“America’s Got Talent” was created by Cowell and is co-produced by Fremantle and Syco Entertainment. Cowell, Sam Donnelly and Natasha Brugler are the executive producers.

Auditions for the next season of “America’s Got Talent” are currently underway. Interested acts can register at www.AGTAuditions.com.

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