Filipino-American singer Jessica Sanchez was crowned champion of America’s Got Talent (AGT) season 20, making history as the first Filipino and first Southeast Asian to win the long-running US talent competition.
During the finale on Wednesday night, September 24 (US time), Sanchez delivered a powerful rendition of Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga’s duet ‘Die With a Smile.’ Despite being heavily pregnant, she received a full-house standing ovation from the audience and all four judges—Simon Cowell, Sofía Vergara, Howie Mandel, and Mel B.
Sofia Vergara, who gave Sanchez the Golden Buzzer earlier in the season, praised her performance: “What can I say? It’s perfection. You look like a little pregnant angel.” Mel B called Sanchez’s vocals “flawless,” while both Simon and Howie described it as the best performance of the night.
Sanchez bested nine other finalists, including freestyle rapper Chris Turner, who placed runner-up. Overcome with emotion, she thanked voters after her win: “I’m sorry, I’m really emotional. This is amazing. Thank you so much, America.”
Her victory carries special significance, as Sanchez first auditioned for ‘AGT’ back in 2006 during its inaugural season. Then only 11 years old, she was eliminated before the finals but remained determined to pursue her dream. She later finished as runner-up on ‘American Idol’ season 11 in 2012, before finally achieving her long-awaited triumph on AGT’s 20th anniversary edition.
Sanchez takes home the $1 million grand prize as she awaits the birth of her baby girl in the coming weeks.
