Jessica Sanchez wins 'AGT' Season 20 but fans slam ‘sympathy vote’ result

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'America Got Talent' Season 20 came to a glittering close on September 25, 2025, with Jessica Sanchez crowned as the winner after an emotional finale.

The 30-year-old powerhouse vocalist beat out magician Noah James, dance troupe Rise, aerialist sisters Eva & Elena, and comedian Marcus Green.

While the crowd erupted with cheers, reactions online have been far more divided with many insisting Sanchez’s win was fueled by “sympathy votes.”

Jessica Sanchez’s 'AGT' journey and emotional backstory

Jessica first captured attention during auditions with a stirring rendition of Adele’s “Easy on Me,” which earned her a standing ovation.

Throughout the season, she opened up about her struggles with anxiety and the pressures of being a working mom, often leaving both judges and viewers in tears.

Her semifinals performance of “I Will Always Love You” solidified her as a frontrunner, with judge Heidi Klum calling her voice “a once-in-a-generation talent.”

'AGT' judges celebrate Jessica Sanchez’s win in finale

The finale saw judges shower Sanchez with praise.

Simon Cowell said she had “the best vocals this show has heard in years,” while Sofía Vergara praised her vulnerability on stage.

Howie Mandel and Heidi Klum also lauded her growth throughout the competition, with Mandel telling her, “You made America fall in love with you.”

Despite the celebration, the tone online was noticeably more skeptical.

Fans slam 'AGT' finale, claim Jessica Sanchez won on ‘sympathy votes’

Within hours of the result, social media lit up with criticism.

One viewer wrote on X, “She only won because of her sob story, the real talent was Noah!” Another fumed, “AGT is a popularity contest now, not a talent show.”

Others accused the show of manipulating emotions, with a comment reading, “Sympathy votes carried her to the top, Eva & Elena were robbed.”

Still, Jessica’s supporters defended her victory, insisting her voice spoke for itself.

Who were the other 'AGT' Season 20 finalists?

The top five contestants gave their all during the finale.

Magician Noah James wowed with an illusion involving Simon Cowell, while Rise delivered a flawless dance routine set to Billie Eilish.

Eva & Elena stunned with a breathtaking aerial act that left Sofia Vergara in tears.

Comedian Marcus Green drew big laughs with a routine poking fun at parenting. Despite strong performances, Jessica’s emotional ballad carried her to the crown.

Social media divided over 'AGT' Season 20 result

The backlash online grew as fans debated whether Jessica’s journey overshadowed the raw talent of her competitors.

Some praised her resilience, while others argued the show had lost credibility.

“And what’s her talent???” one X user commented.

Another wrote, “She did not deserve that win on AGT IM sorry but there are more talented people than her."

Another added, "She won because she was pregnant and women voted for her because of that. The rapper dude was clearly the winner and has the most upside. If she was not pregnant and just relied on her singing she would not have even made the finals.Gimmicks work over talent everytime in America."

One commented, "Her desperation paid off i guess. but she ain't got no pop star appeal."

While another said, "This ish is fake af. they recycle the same contestants between all the different talent shows around the world."

Another added, "She didn’t deserve it."

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