Wait. If you tuned into NBC last night expecting a fresh episode of America's Got Talent, you might’ve been a little confused by the schedule. It happens. We've all been there, scrolling through the DVR only to realize the "new" episode is actually a rerun or a special presentation.
So, to settle the score right away: Jessica Sanchez is the reigning champion of America's Got Talent Season 20.
She didn't win "last night" in the literal sense of a January 2026 broadcast, because the milestone 20th season actually wrapped up its massive finale on September 24, 2025. If you're seeing news pop up now, it's likely because the network is airing encore performances or "best of" specials during the winter hiatus.
Honestly, the story of who won on AGT last night—or rather, this most recent cycle—is probably the most "full circle" moment in the history of reality TV.
Why Everyone Is Still Talking About Jessica Sanchez
Most people remember Jessica from American Idol, where she famously came in second to Phillip Phillips over a decade ago. But real AGT nerds know her history goes way deeper. She actually auditioned for the very first season of America's Got Talent back in 2006. She was only ten.
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Think about that. Ten years old.
She made it to the semifinals then and got cut. To come back 20 years later for the 20th anniversary season? It's the kind of script a Hollywood writer would reject for being too cheesy. But it actually happened.
What Really Happened During the Finale?
The finale wasn't just a talent show; it was a gauntlet. The competition was stiff. You had the Leo High School Choir bringing the house down and Chris Turner, a freestyle rapper who basically reinvented the genre on that stage.
But Jessica had something else going for her. She was eight months pregnant.
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By the time the finale rolled around, she was basically a couple of weeks away from her due date. Performing at that level while literally carrying another human is wild. She performed "Die With A Smile" by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, and frankly, it made the rest of the night feel like an opening act.
The Final Standings
If you missed the results call, here is how the top five shook out:
- Winner: Jessica Sanchez (Singer)
- Runner-up: 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 Jourdan Blue didn't leave empty-handed. Danny O’Donoghue from The Script actually invited him on tour during the live broadcast. Not a bad consolation prize.
The Sofia Vergara Connection
We have to talk about the Golden Buzzer. Sofia Vergara didn't just give Jessica a pass to the live shows; she basically staked her reputation on her. Sofia mentioned later that everything just "clicked"—the 20th anniversary, the pregnancy, the return from Season 1.
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Simon Cowell, who is usually the first to point out when a singer is "boring" or "predictable," was surprisingly sentimental about the whole thing. He noted that having her back for the anniversary season was vital for the show's legacy. It proved the "never give up" mantra isn't just a marketing slogan.
Where the Show Goes From Here
If you're wondering who won on AGT last night because you're looking for the next season, you've got a little bit of a wait. Auditions for Season 21 are already spinning up. The show usually returns in the late spring or early summer.
In the meantime, the "win" for Jessica has sparked a massive debate online about whether "pro" singers should be allowed on the show. Jessica had a career. She was on Glee. She had a record deal. Some fans feel like AGT should be for the "raw" talent—the guy who works at the car wash but sings like an angel.
On the flip side, the rules have always allowed professionals. If you've got the talent and you haven't "made it" to the level of a household name, the $1 million prize is still fair game.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're suffering from AGT withdrawal, here’s how to stay in the loop:
- Watch the Specials: Check your local NBC listings for the "Path to the Finale" or "Season 20 Highlights" that are currently airing. These are likely why you're seeing AGT in your guides right now.
- Follow the Winner: Jessica Sanchez is active on Instagram and TikTok, often sharing updates about her new baby and upcoming music.
- Audition Yourself: If you think you’ve got what it takes for Season 21, virtual auditions are usually open through the winter months on the official AGT website.
- Check Out the Runners-Up: Chris Turner and Jourdan Blue are both releasing original material. Chris Turner, in particular, has been blowing up on social media with his improvised "rap summaries" of the season.
The $1 million and the Vegas residency are life-changing, but for Jessica, it clearly seemed like it was more about finishing what she started two decades ago.