If you’ve been keeping up with the bright lights of the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, you know that the question of who won American talent isn’t always as simple as a single name. The franchise has expanded so much recently—between the main summer seasons and the high-stakes spinoffs—that it’s easy to lose track of who actually walked away with the million-dollar check and who just went viral on TikTok.
Honestly, the most recent victory was a bit of a "full circle" moment that caught a lot of long-time viewers off guard. It wasn't just a win; it was a decades-long redemption arc.
The Milestone Winner: Jessica Sanchez’s 20-Year Wait
In a twist that felt more like a movie script than a reality show, Jessica Sanchez was crowned the winner of America's Got Talent Season 20 in late 2024. If that name sounds familiar, it should. She wasn't just some newcomer who walked off the street.
Jessica actually auditioned for the very first season of the show back in 2006. She was only 10 years old then. She didn’t win. Instead, she went on to become the runner-up on American Idol and had a stint on Glee, but that AGT title always eluded her. Fast forward nearly twenty years, and she returned to the stage—nine months pregnant, no less—to finally claim the win.
Her performance of "Die With A Smile" by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars in the finale basically sealed the deal. It was powerful. It was emotional. And for Sofia Vergara, who gave Jessica her Golden Buzzer, it was the highlight of the season.
👉 See also: Christopher McDonald in Lemonade Mouth: Why This Villain Still Works
How the Season 20 Finale Shook Out
The competition was actually pretty stiff toward the end. You had a real mix of variety. Here is how the top of the leaderboard looked when the confetti finally fell:
- First Place: Jessica Sanchez (Singer)
- Second Place: Chris Turner (Freestyle Rapper)
- Third Place: Jourdan Blue (Singer)
- Fourth Place: Leo High School Choir
- Fifth Place: LightWire (LED Dance Group)
It’s worth noting that Chris Turner almost took the whole thing. Freestyle rapping is notoriously hard to pull off on a family show, but he kept the momentum high. Ultimately, though, the "comeback" narrative and Jessica's undeniable vocal range were too much to beat.
Who Won American Talent in 2024? The Year of the Singing Janitor
Before Jessica’s big moment, the 2024 summer season (Season 19) belonged to a man who basically defined the "average Joe" dream. Richard Goodall, a school janitor from Terre Haute, Indiana, became the Season 19 champion.
Richard’s journey started with a viral video of him singing "Don’t Stop Believin’" for the kids at his school. When he stepped onto the AGT stage, he didn't look like a superstar. He looked like... well, a janitor. But then he opened his mouth.
✨ Don't miss: Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne: Why His Performance Still Holds Up in 2026
Heidi Klum didn’t hesitate to hit that Golden Buzzer. Throughout the season, Richard leaned into those classic rock anthems—"Eye of the Tiger," "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You," and eventually "Faithfully." In the finale, he even got to perform with members of Journey. It was one of those rare moments where the hype actually matched the talent. He married his wife, Angie, just days before he was announced as the winner. Talk about a good week.
The Spinoff Factor: Fantasy League and Beyond
If you’re confused about who won American talent because you saw a duo of acrobats holding a trophy recently, you’re likely thinking of AGT: Fantasy League. This was a different beast entirely. It aired in early 2024 and featured judges "drafting" acts to their own teams.
The Ramadhani Brothers, an incredible head-to-head balancing duo from Tanzania, took the top prize there. They were on Howie Mandel’s team. If you haven’t seen them, they basically balance on each other's heads while climbing ladders. It’s terrifying to watch but impossible to look away from. They beat out heavy hitters like the Pack Drumline and V.Unbeatable to take home the $250,000 prize.
Why the Spinoff Winners Matter
These spinoffs (like Champions, All-Stars, and Fantasy League) often crown acts that the American public already loves. It’s a way for "robbed" contestants to get a second chance. While the prize money is lower than the main show’s $1 million, the prestige is arguably just as high in the industry.
🔗 Read more: Chris Robinson and The Bold and the Beautiful: What Really Happened to Jack Hamilton
The Reality of the $1 Million Prize
There’s a common misconception about what happens after someone is announced as the winner. People think the winner gets a suitcase with a million dollars in it. Not quite.
If you read the fine print on the screen at the end of every episode, it explains that the $1 million is actually paid out as a 40-year annuity. That means the winner gets about $25,000 a year before taxes. Or, they can opt for a "lump sum" which is significantly less—usually around $300,000 to $450,000 depending on the year and tax laws.
Most winners, like Richard Goodall or Jessica Sanchez, use the win as a springboard for a Las Vegas residency or a touring contract, which is where the real money is made.
What’s Next for AGT Fans?
If you're looking to track the next person to join this list, pay attention to the mid-season cycles. The show rarely stays dark for long. Whether it's the traditional summer season or a specialized spinoff, the voting process remains the same: the judges get them to the live shows, but the "superfans" or the national vote decides the ultimate legacy.
Actionable Insights for Following the Winners:
- Check the Vegas Schedule: Most winners, including the Ramadhani Brothers and recent champions, often headline the America's Got Talent Presents Superstars Live show at the Luxor in Las Vegas.
- Follow Socials Over TV: Many finalists who don't "win" the title (like Chris Turner or Jourdan Blue) end up with massive record deals or touring offers. Jourdan Blue, for instance, was invited on tour by The Script right on the finale stage.
- Watch the Golden Buzzers: Historically, a disproportionate number of winners are Golden Buzzer acts. If you want to predict the winner early, look at who the judges "fast-track" in the first few weeks.
The landscape of talent shows is always shifting, but the core remains the same: a great story usually beats a great act, but having both is the only way to win.