Originally appeared on E! Online
Warning: This story contains spoilers from the Sept. 24 episode of America’s Got Talent.
America’s Got Talent has crowned a new champion.
A very pregnant Jessica Sanchez won season 20 of the NBC reality competition series. The Southern California native’s victory—which included the coveted $1 million prize—was announced during the Sept. 24 finale.
“I’m really emotional right now,” Jessica said onstage after accepting her prize. “This is amazing, thank you so much, America.”
After weeks of competition, the season 20 hopefuls were narrowed down to the top 10, which included rapper Mama Duke, aerialists Sirca Marea, rapper Micah Palace, light-up dance group LightWire, musician Steve Ray Ladson, dance group Team Recycled, singer Jourdan Blue, the Leo High School Choir and improv rapper Chris Turner.
All 10 acts gave their final, show-stopping performances on Sept. 23, marking their last chance to win over fans and secure viewers votes.
But ultimately, Sanchez’s vocal talents proved unbeatable.
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One familiar face who didn’t make it to the AGT20 finals? Vanderpump Rules alum Tom Sandoval, who made waves earlier this season auditioning with his band Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras.
The Bravolebrity received some rave reviews following his group’s first tryout in June.
Trae Patton/NBC
“You made me smile,” the Mel B raved after their performance of A-ha‘s ’80s hit “Take on Me.” “You gave me happy vibes. And apart from that song being one of my favorite songs, you all look like you were fully enjoying yourself.”
But when it came for Sandoval’s semifinals audition, the band failed to impress with their cover of The Weeknd‘s “Blinding Lights” and were sent home.
Trae Patton/NBC
“I like Tom and I like the band,” Simon Cowell said during the Aug. 21 episode. “However, you’re judging this performance, and it didn’t sound great. It didn’t. It might just be me from where I sat but it didn’t sound good, I’m afraid.”
Meanwhile, Sofía Vergara looked on the bright side by adding, “I love the band, the song. The sound was not amazing, but this was super entertaining.”
Catch up on AGT any time on Peacock.
In the meantime, keep reading for little-known secrets about America’s Got Talent.
(E!, AGT and Peacock are all part of the NBCUniversal family)
Do America’s Got Talent Contestants Audition for the First Time in Front of the Judges?
No. In fact, contestants have a long road before they audition in front of the judges, who include Howie Mandel, Mel B, Sofía Vergara and Simon Cowell for season 20.
“We have open call auditions virtually to reach as many people as possible,” Theresa Graham, NBCUniversal’s director of unscripted formats, told NBC Insider in 2022. “Anybody can sign up and have an audition with our casting team and producers. If they think that somebody is worth considering, they put them through to our executive producers. After they say yes, then the act will go to audition in front of the judges. We all see everything play out from there.”
Hopefuls can try out through either an in-person or virtual open call or through a video audition.
How Long Do Contestants Have to Audition for America’s Got Talent?
Set your timers! Because according to the audition guidelines, individuals will have up to 90 seconds to show off their skills during the open calls. However, the regulations note “producers reserve the right to modify audition times.”
Is There Anything America’s Got Talent Contestants Can’t Bring to the Open Call Auditions?
Yes, quite a few items, actually.
While many acts incorporate open flames, for instance, the rules state that “fire and special rigging are not allowed at open call auditions.” Similarly, competitors will need to fill out an Animal Information Form and bring the animal’s vaccination record if their act incorporates an animal. Other prohibited items, per the rules, include “coolers (unless for medical reasons), fireworks, weapons, sharp tools, mace/pepper spray, illicit drugs, alcohol, [or] props requiring fire or pyrotechnics.”
Does America’s Got Talent Cover Contestants’ Expenses to Audition in Front of the Judges?
Once contestant make it through the initial rounds, they must try out in front of the judges. However, they don’t have to worry about paying the full bill to get there.
According to America’s Got Talent‘s audition guidelines, contestants will be provided with airfare if they have to travel far for the judges audition round, or they’ll be given a bus ticket, train ticket or gas reimbursement for driving if they live fairly close to the audition site. They are also provided with hotel accommodations as well as a daily allowance for food or other expenses.
Do America’s Got Talent Contestants Get Their Hair and Makeup Done?
According to America’s Got Talent audition guidelines, the show does not provide hair and makeup support for contestants during the judges audition round; however, competitors are expected to come “camera ready.” Although, the series does provide these services for contestants for future rounds.
In fact, AGT‘s makeup artist Tonia Green noted on Instagram the hair and makeup team worked with “hundreds of contestants” during season 19.
Do America’s Got Talent Contestants Rehearse Their Acts Before the Show?
Yes. Contestants have the opportunity to run through their acts during the rehearsals. However, this isn’t the only part of the show they go over.
“I don’t know if you guys know this, but all the contestants have to do a results rehearsal,” Sofie Dossi, who competed on three seasons of America’s Got Talent, shared in a 2024 YouTube video. “It’s so everyone knows where to go if you’re booted off or if you make it through and for the staff to figure out lighting and camera angles.”
Do the Winners of America’s Got Talent Get Their Money Right Away?
The grand prize for winning America’s Got Talent is $1 million. But does the champion get the full amount right away?
“The prize, which totals $1,000,000 is payable in a financial annuity over forty years,” a statement at the end of the show’s credits read, “or the contestants may choose to receive the present value of such annuity.”
If you take $1,000,000 and you divide it by 40, that comes out to $25,000 per year before taxes for those who choose to receive the payment over time.
For all the scoop on your favorite NBC series and stars, check out NBC Insider.
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