The Season 20 finale of America’s Got Talent was nothing short of explosive. On Wednesday night, September 24, 2025, the nation tuned in as host Terry Crews guided viewers through an evening of jaw-dropping performances, emotional farewells, and a winner’s reveal that instantly divided fans online. With $1 million and the AGT crown at stake, the top five acts poured their hearts onto the stage one final time in front of a live audience in Los Angeles.
The first shocking moment came when LightWire, the glowing dance-and-tech troupe that dazzled all season, was eliminated. Fans were stunned, but one member delivered a heartfelt thank-you, saying, “It’s a dream for me, for all this team. It’s a pleasure to be here. Thank you, America.” Shortly after, the Leo High School Choir also saw their run end. The group of talented young singers, led by their inspiring director Mrs. Hill, had captured millions of hearts with their harmonies. With grace, Hill expressed gratitude: “We’re so grateful for this opportunity… thank you to every educator, every parent.” Even Simon Cowell, known for his tough critiques, praised them, saying, “You are going to inspire so many people. You have an amazing talent. You have an amazing mentor.”
That left just three contenders: comedian Chris Turner, singer Jourdan Blue, and powerhouse vocalist Jessica Sanchez. The pressure hit its peak when Jourdan Blue was announced as the third-place finisher. Fighting back tears, Blue reflected on his journey: “It’s been a long journey to get here, and it’s just meant everything. All glory to God.” Judge Howie Mandel reassured him that this was only the beginning, telling Blue, “You leveled up your life and career to the stratosphere. This is not the end.”
The stage was set for the ultimate showdown between Chris Turner and Jessica Sanchez. Turner, a British-born, New York–based comedian and freestyle rapper, delivered a performance that left the theater roaring. Pulling real-life couple Bozoma Saint John and Keely Watson onstage, Turner spun their love story into lightning-fast rhymes, weaving in Instagram DMs, travel memories, and inside jokes. The performance reminded viewers why he had been called “a virtuoso… a hip-hop machine” by The Guardian. Turner’s AGT success added to an already impressive career—viral freestyle videos, Cirque du Soleil collaborations, a comedy special, and even a headline-making rap battle victory against ChatGPT at TED.
Then came Jessica Sanchez, and with her, a powerful story of redemption. Sanchez first appeared on AGT as a shy 10-year-old in Season 1. Now, nearly two decades later, she returned at 30, pregnant with her first child, and more determined than ever. Her finale performance of JVKE’s “Golden Hour” alongside aerialist Sirca Marea blended powerhouse vocals with breathtaking visuals, creating a moment the show itself described as “once-in-a-lifetime.”
Sanchez’s career had already seen remarkable highs. She was runner-up on American Idol Season 11 in 2012, released an album under Interscope Records, and scored a Billboard-charting single with Ne-Yo. She later achieved international fame, particularly in the Philippines, with chart-topping singles and albums. Her return to AGT was a full-circle moment, and before the winner was revealed, she admitted, “This has been 20 years in the making for me. I wish I could tell my 10-year-old self, ‘here we are today, girl.’”
Finally, after an agonizing pause, Terry Crews announced the winner: Jessica Sanchez. Confetti rained down as Sanchez, overcome with emotion, said through tears, “I’m really emotional. This is amazing. Thank you so much, America.” It was a triumphant moment nearly two decades in the making.
But while Sanchez celebrated, social media erupted with controversy. Many fans felt Chris Turner had been robbed. One viewer fumed, “Turner should have won; people just voted for Sanchez because she was in the first season and pregnant.” Another complained, “Chris Turner should have won! So unique and a talent we’ve never seen. But we can just call the show America’s Got a Singer.” Others accused the show of favoritism, with one user blasting, “This felt rigged. Her being pregnant and a returning contestant swayed it. Singers should stick to singing shows like The Voice.”
Despite the backlash, Sanchez’s victory was undeniably historic—an emotional, full-circle comeback that showcased her resilience, talent, and ability to connect with audiences. As Terry Crews closed the show, he left viewers with one final thought: “It could be you up here winning this time next year. Good night, America.”
