Pasadena, The America’s Got Talent Season 20 finale confetti had barely settled when Simon Cowell dropped a bombshell backstage: “Jessica’s incredible, but [Lightwire Theater] should have been the real winner.” The revelation, shared in a candid TV Insider exclusive, highlights the judges’ divided hearts after Jessica Sanchez’s emotional “Die With a Smile” triumph on September 24. Pregnant with daughter Eliana Mae (born October 13), Sanchez, 30, clinched the $1 million prize and Vegas residency 20 years after her Season 1 audition at age 10. Cowell’s praise for the LED-lit insect troupe—his Quarterfinals pick—sparks debate: Talent or timing? As #AGTFinale trends with 1.5 million posts, this “stun” underscores AGT’s subjective sparkle—where heart, not just high notes, hits home.
The Finale Fireworks: A Night of Golden Returns
The September 24 Pasadena Civic Auditorium finale was a 20th-anniversary extravaganza, blending past Golden Buzzer acts with fresh fire. Sanchez opened with Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With a Smile,” her vocal glow (judges noted her “extra 10%” pregnancy shine) earning a standing ovation. Sofia Vergara: “Costuming made you a little pregnant angel.” Mel B: “Flawless, pitch-perfect.” Howie Mandel: “Best act of the night.” Cowell: “Two of you—it’s a duo.” But the stage sizzled with returns:
- Lightwire Theater: Their optical illusions—spider webs, canoe rides—dazzled with LED magic. Cowell: “Got emotional—the message is powerful.”
- Mama Duke: Original “Feels So Good to Be You” with Sainted—Mel B: “Real, honest writing—I’d buy tickets.”
- Sirca Marea: Blindfolded trapeze—Howie: “Repetitive?” Mel B: “Disagree—precision shines.”
- Micah Palace: Spanglish rap—Sofia: “A party!” Cowell: “Brilliant—excited for your future.”
- Leo High School Choir: “Hall of Fame”—Mel B: “Your passion embodies everything.”
- Chris Turner: Improv rap with judge phrases—Cowell: “You may be the act to beat.”
- Jourdan Blue: “Golden” by KPOP Demon Hunters—Howie: “Best song choice—huge hit!”
- Team Recycled: Audience-to-stage dance—Howie: “Your best yet.”
- Steve Ray Ladson: Original “Do The Rodeo”—Sofia: “Superstar smile and charisma.”
Voting closed September 24 at 7 a.m. ET; results aired at 9 p.m. ET.
Cowell’s Backstage Bombshell: “Lightwire Should Have Been the Winner”
Post-finale, Cowell pulled no punches in TV Insider: “Jessica’s incredible… but Lightwire’s message hit hard—they should have been the real winner.” His emotional pull for the LED troupe’s “powerful” illusions? A nod to AGT’s heart—story over spectacle. “Fairytale for Jessica,” Cowell added, “but Lightwire’s innovation deserved the crown.” Howie Mandel echoed: “Never give up—Jessica proves dreams wait.” Sofia: “Perfection.” Mel B: “Flawless.”
Sanchez’s Journey: From Kid Semifinalist to Pregnant Powerhouse
Sanchez, 30, returned 20 years after Season 1 semifinals—pregnant with Eliana Mae (born October 13). Golden Buzzer via Sofia on “Beautiful Things” (Benson Boone), she dazzled with “Ordinary” (Quarterfinals), “Golden Hour” (Semifinals). “Two of you—it’s a duo,” Cowell quipped. Post-win: “Believe in yourself—even if no the first time,” Cowell advised. Her $1M (installments post-tax) and Vegas gig? “Fairytale,” she said.
AGT Family’s Joy: Judges, Stars, and Fans Unite
| Voice | Message |
|---|---|
| Simon Cowell | “Fairytale ending—Jessica’s heart makes people listen.” |
| Sofia Vergara | “Pregnant angel—perfection!” |
| Howie Mandel | “Best act—never give up!” |
| Mel B | “Flawless, pitch-perfect.” |
| X Fan @AGTLegacy | “From kid to champ mom—inspire us!” (150K likes) |
#JessicaSanchezBaby trended #2 (2.1M posts)—duets of her “Die With a Smile” over baby coos (1.8M videos).
Balancing Belts & Bottles: Sanchez’s New Melody
“Every cry, every smile—pure love,” Sanchez told EW. Recording “rebirth songs” at home, her album teases “gratitude lullabies.” “Motherhood’s courage—stronger, softer,” she said. Rickie: “Our greatest duet.” Eliana Mae? “Voice of an angel incoming.”
In 2025’s spotlight scramble, Sanchez’s win—pregnant powerhouse—proves dreams don’t expire. AGT’s 20th? A “fairytale” of full circles.
Your AGT shot? Auditions at agtauditions.com—believe like Jessica. Who’s next for the crown? Share below.
