Introduction:
Jessica Sanchez Wins ‘America’s Got Talent’ Season 20 — And Pledges Her $1 Million Prize to Build Homes for Families in Need
After a stunning comeback nearly two decades in the making, Jessica Sanchez has been crowned the winner of America’s Got Talent Season 20. The 30-year-old singer-songwriter claimed the show’s $1 million grand prize on September 24, 2025, during a star-studded finale that marked one of the most emotional victories in the show’s history.
In a heartfelt post-win interview, Sanchez revealed plans to donate a significant portion of her winnings to fight housing insecurity. Partnering with Habitat for Humanity and local nonprofits in Chula Vista, California, and Texas, the Filipino-Mexican American artist aims to fund the construction of at least 10 affordable homes for low-income families, single parents, and veterans.
“This money isn’t just for me or my family—it’s a tool to lift others up,” Sanchez said. Having recently welcomed her first child, daughter Eliana Mae, she added that motherhood has deepened her desire to create lasting change.
While the AGT grand prize is advertised as $1 million, winners typically receive either annual payments over 40 years or a lump-sum value of about $300,000 after taxes. Sanchez opted for the lump sum, citing her wish to make an immediate impact.
Her decision reflects a long-standing commitment to philanthropy. Following her American Idol Season 11 runner-up finish in 2012, Sanchez took part in global charity efforts, including relief concerts for Typhoon Haiyan victims and the “We Are the World 25 for Haiti” project. “Growing up in a multicultural family, I saw firsthand how a lack of stable housing affects people,” she explained. “Now I want to pay it forward.”
Fans and celebrities alike have praised her generosity. AGT judge Simon Cowell tweeted, “Jessica’s not just a winner on stage—she’s a winner in life.” Habitat for Humanity hailed her donation as “transformative,” emphasizing the ripple effect it will have on communities across the U.S.
Sanchez’s win also represents a full-circle moment. She first appeared on AGT in 2006 at age 10, reaching the semifinals before finding fame on American Idol. Her Season 20 return — auditioning while nine months pregnant — earned her a Golden Buzzer from Sofía Vergara and admiration for her courage and artistry.
Now balancing motherhood, music, and her new initiative called “Sanchez Homes for Hope,” she plans to expand the project nationwide. As #JessicaGivesBack trends online, one thing is clear: her story is not just about winning a talent show — it’s about using that victory to build a legacy of compassion and change.