America's Got Talent crowned singer Jessica Sanchez, a former American Idol finalist, its Season 20 winner during the two-hour finale broadcast that aired Wednesday night on NBC.

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"We've seen acts come from every corner of the globe, chasing the AGT dream. They performed on the biggest stage in the best talent show in the world, hoping to change their lives. And now, after all the performances and all the judging and all the voting, we are about to find out who's won," America's Got Talent host Terry Crews announced at the end of the live broadcast.

"It's time. America has voted. The AGT champion and the winner of $1 million is Jessica Sanchez!"

In addition to the $1 million prize, Jessica earned a spot as the headliner of AGT's residency in Las Vegas, NV.

Jessica, who is currently pregnant, cried tears of joy after her victory and said winning the show felt "so amazing."

Jessica thanked her fans as she was congratulated by other AGT contestants and judge Sofia Vergara, who had run up on the stage to hug her.

Jessica had made it to the semifinals of America's Got Talent's first season in 2006 and then competed on American Idol in 2012. She finished American Idol's eleventh season as the runner-up.

Jessica therefore said her moment on America's Got Talent this year was 20 years in the making.

"I wish I could tell my 10-year-old self, 'Here we are today, girl!'" Jessica said in a pre-recorded package that aired before the live results.

"This journey has definitely been transformative for me. To do this with [a baby girl] in my belly, I feel so strong, and I feel so proud of myself."

Freestyle rapper Chris Turner finished the talent competition as the runner-up.

Before the live results were announced, Chris said it "would mean everything" to win America's Got Talent, especially since his family was sitting in the audience.

"It would mean all the sacrifices they made and all the support they gave me has [paid off]. It would mean so much," Chris told Terry.

Third place went to singer Jourdan Blue.

Chorale group Leo High School Choir placed fourth, and multimedia dance act Light Wire finished America's Got Talent in fifth place.

Each of the Top 10 finalists had performed live for home viewer votes on Tuesday.

The other finalists were rapper Mama Duke, rapper Micah Palace, trapeze duo Sirca Marea, singer Steve Ray Ladson, and dance group Team Recycled.

Seven of the 10 acts who made it to the finals had received a Golden Buzzer during the auditions or subsequent live quarterfinals round.

The five acts who were eliminated without placing in the Top 5 were Mama Duke, Micah Palace, Sirca Marea, Steve Ray Ladson, and Team Recycled.

Throughout the show, America's Got Talent finalists got to perform with famous faces in the entertainment industry.

Some of the celebrities who took the stage were singer Aloe Blacc, singer Ciara, The Voice UK coach Danny O'Donoghue, singer Leona Lewis, singer Manuel Turizo, and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Bozoma Saint John.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski

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