America’s Got Talent 2025 finale poll results: We predict the WINNER of season 20
Across many seasons of America’s Got Talent, the eventual winner is usually obvious by the finale. Last season’s runaway favorite had little competition, but season 20 has been more unpredictable. This year’s finale poll results show a closer race than usual: no act cleared a majority in our “will win” poll, which opens the door for surprises on tonight’s live finale.
With votes tallied and the Top 10 narrowed to the final few, fans across the country have weighed in. Expect the usual finale format: guest celebrity performances with the finalists, plenty of footage highlighting each act’s journey, and host Terry Crews announcing the Top 5 before revealing the winner in the show’s final moments. Judges Howie Mandel, Mel B, Simon Cowell and Sofia Vergara will be on the panel, dressed to the nines as they watch the final performances live.
Below we break down the poll results, analyze the frontrunners, and make a prediction for who will take home the season 20 crown.
Prediction
Poll respondents indicate that LightWire—an LED dance group—both will and should win the competition, leading the pack but without an outright majority. In the “will win” poll LightWire earned just over 40% of the vote, while singer Jessica Sanchez followed with about 34%. That margin is narrower than last season’s clear frontrunner, signaling a much tighter finish.
In the “should win” poll, LightWire and Jessica Sanchez also topped the leaderboard with roughly 44% and 31% respectively. Behind them, the remaining top positions are split: Jourdan Blue ranks high in the “should win” column, while Chris Turner holds a stronger position in the “will win” column. These mixed results reflect differing fan opinions about originality, technical skill, and emotional impact.
Judges leaned heavily on LightWire during the semifinal performances, even though their routine didn’t represent a big leap from previous rounds. That kind of endorsement can influence viewers, but it doesn’t guarantee a win in a tight field. Jessica Sanchez remains a fan favorite, thanks to her American Idol pedigree and consistent vocal performances, but performing early in the lineup may reduce visibility in a crowded finale.
Other acts like Chris Turner and Jourdan Blue are dark horses—either could pull unexpected support on the night. One notable trend this season is the dominance of singers: seven of the final ten acts are vocal performers. When so many singers compete, votes can split among similar acts, giving variety acts like LightWire a strategic advantage.
Prediction: based on current polling and judges’ influence, we expect LightWire to win America’s Got Talent season 20. Our projected Top 5 includes LightWire, Jessica Sanchez, Jourdan Blue, Chris Turner, and one of the dance groups or musicians that have maintained steady support through the season.
Which AGT act SHOULD win?
- LightWire – LED Dance Group – 43.71%
- Jessica Sanchez – Singer – 31.13%
- Jourdan Blue – Singer – 12.14%
- Chris Turner – Freestyle Rapper – 8.61%
- Team Recycled – Dance Group – 1.99%
- Sirca Marea – Aerial – 1.32%
- Leo High School Choir – 0.44%
- Mama Duke – Rapper – 0.44%
- Micah Palace – Musician – 0.22%
- Steve Ray Ladson – Musician – 0.00%
Which AGT act WILL win?
- LightWire – LED Dance Group – 40.34%
- Jessica Sanchez – Singer – 34.36%
- Chris Turner – Freestyle Rapper – 12.14%
- Jourdan Blue – Singer – 8.38%
- Team Recycled – Dance Group – 1.37%
- Steve Ray Ladson – Musician – 1.03%
- Sirca Marea – Aerial – 1.03%
- Leo High School Choir – 0.85%
- Mama Duke – Rapper – 0.34%
- Micah Palace – Musician – 0.17%
Grade the season
Poll respondents gave season 20 a B+. The sentiment around this season is mixed: many viewers enjoyed standout moments and high production values, while some critics—particularly in online discussion forums—have voiced fatigue with the show’s recurring reliance on vocal acts. Here’s how voters graded the season:
- B – 42.86%
- A – 41.90%
- C – 12.38%
- D – 1.90%
- F – 0.95%
America’s Got Talent season 20 finale airs on NBC at 9 pm ET/PT, following an hour-long recap at 8 pm ET/PT. The finale will be available to stream on Peacock the next day.