AMERICA’s Got Talent has announced pregnant singer Jessica Sanchez as the winner in the Season 20 finale, and not everyone was pleased with the results.
The two-hour live finale episode aired on Wednesday, including performances from past and current contestants, as well as celebrity appearances.
Pregnant singer Jessica Sanchez was crowned the winner of America’s Got Talent[/caption]
Fans thought that runner-up Chris Turner should’ve won the competition with his freestyle rapping skills[/caption]
Jessica and Chris were named the Top 2 contestants after beating out their eight fellow competitors[/caption]
Minutes before the show’s end, host Terry Crews revealed the competitor who had received the most votes from America after a grueling 17-week-long competition.
Among the Top 10 was Jessica, Chris Turner, Jourdan Blue, Leo High School Choir, LightWire, Mama Duke, Micah Palace, Sirca Marea, Steve Ray Ladson, and Team Recycled.
After Jessica was crowned the winner, viewers online expressed their shock that another fan-favorite, freestyle rapper Chris Turner, who was named runner-up, didn’t score the victory.
“Chris got cheated, shame on yall. The sympathy votes got Jessica the win,” one critic wrote on X.
“Jessica winning AGT only proves the best acts dont win… theres were about 20 acts that genuinely deserved to win more than her. Such an a disappointment,” said another.
“What a waste of 3 months… so what I’m seeing with this show is if you’re pregnant or have a sob story, people will like you more,” complained a third.
“When are #AGT voters going to vote for the actual talent NOT the story? Chris Turner deserves to win,” added a fourth.
“Chris Turner robbed,” chimed in a fifth.
Fans were already slightly annoyed that the show had been pushed back the night before from its usual time slot to a later one.
Typically, AGT airs at 8:00 p.m. EST, allotting two hours for the top contestants to perform for the last time before voting closes.
However, Tuesday’s show was moved to a 9:00 p.m. start to make way for NBC‘s The Voice, which kicked off its 28th season this week.
Wednesday’s live results were followed by a recap of the previous night’s acts, although the polls were no longer open.
Aside from the schedule changes, fans have been vocal about their thoughts regarding which contestants moved on in the competition.
Last week, critics expressed their disappointment over the beloved duo TT Boys being eliminated in favor of the Leo High School Choir, which they deemed unworthy for the final.
The week before, fans were shocked when AGT hopeful, magician Mastermind, suddenly dropped out of the competition, despite many believing they were a shoo-in to win.
On Tuesday’s episode, judge Simon Cowell admitted he thought that each of the Top 10 contestants had a good chance at taking the whole competition – and the $1 million grand prize.
America’s Got Talent judges
THOUSANDS of hopefuls have graced the America’s Got Talent stage to showcase their abilities.
Here is some more information about the A-list judges for season 20:
Simon Cowell – On October 22, 2015, it was revealed Simon was replacing Howard Stern on the AGT judges panel. He became a judge during the program’s 11th season and has since remained a series regular.
Mel B – In March 2013, Mel B was announced as Sharon Osbourne’s replacement on AGT. She remained on the show for five seasons before leaving in 2018. She made her grand return this year for season 20.
Sofia Vergara – On February 27, 2020, NBC revealed Sofia was replacing Gabrielle Union for AGT season 15.
Howie Mandel – Out of all the panelists, Howie Mandel is the longest-tenured judge on America’s Got Talent. Howie joined the hit reality series during the show’s 5th season, replacing David Hasselhoff.
His fellow judges, Sofia Vergara, Mel B, and Howie Mandel, shared similar feedback, although they seemed to have their favorites among their Golden Buzzer picks.
Those who earned Golden Buzzers were LightWire, Mama Duke, Micah, Team Recycled, and Steve Ray.
The judges previously said that any one of the finalists could take home the win[/caption]
The AGT judges included Howie Mandel, Mel B, Sofia Vergara, and Simon Cowell[/caption]
