Mel B plants cheeky kiss on Simon Cowell at AGT finale as Jessica Sanchez wins
Vergara joins the duo on the California red carpet; Sanchez claims the $1 million prize while nine months pregnant
Mel B planted a cheeky kiss on Simon Cowell as the two joined fellow American's Got Talent judge Sofia Vergara for the show’s California finale on Wednesday. The moment unfolded on the red carpet ahead of a night that would crown a winner and spotlight the show's outfits and personalities. Mel B, 50, and Simon Cowell, 65, shared a playful exchange as Vergara, 53, watched, signaling the show’s lighthearted mood at the end of a long finals week.
Mel B styled a blue corset midi dress with a structured bodice and satin skirt, pairing the look with matching stilettos and silver jewelry. Simon kept his look more low-key, choosing a grey T-shirt, black trousers, brown suit shoes and his signature orange-tinted glasses. Vergara completed the trio’s red-carpet dynamic in a black satin leotard layered under a black, sequin, net design skirt, delivering a poised, high-glamour finish to the evening. The trio’s appearance highlighted the finals as much for fashion as for performances, with each judge pulling focus at different moments of the carpet.
Wednesday’s finale culminated in Jessica Sanchez, a Filipino-American singer, being crowned the winner and taking home the $1 million prize after delivering a performance of Die With A Smile—described in coverage as Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga’s song—while nine months pregnant. Sanchez’s victory marks a notable return to the spotlight; she first appeared on AGT in 2006 as a contestant at age 10 and later became a runner-up on American Idol’s 11th season, adding a rich layer to her already storied career in American pop music and television.
In a week filled with red-carpet fashion moments, Sanchez’s win stood out for its timing and the life transition she announced publicly in the context of her pregnancy. The finale’s atmosphere was buoyed by fan-favorite performances, as viewers watched a contestant who had previously navigated the broader realities of being a child star and a public figure step into motherhood while claiming a major prize.
Beyond the finals’ result, the week’s coverage reflected a larger conversation around celebrity narratives and visibility. Mel B’s personal story—her daughter Phoenix’s remarks about carving out her own path—was part of a broader tapestry about followers and critics debating what constitutes a Nepo Baby era in show business. Phoenix, Mel B’s daughter, has discussed these themes publicly, including a Channel 4 documentary she produced titled Born In The Limelight – Nepo Babies: Untold, which examined how growing up in celebrity circles can shape opportunities and challenges for the next generation. Phoenix’s comments echoed some fans’ calls for authentic career development beyond familial connections, a discussion that has gained traction across entertainment media.
In related fashion notes from the finals week, Mel B also delivered a different style moment when she wore a vibrant leopard-print mini-dress on Tuesday, paired with thigh-high boots and beachy waves—an ensemble that recalled her Spice Girls roots and kept pace with Vergara’s and Sanchez’s high-profile looks. The show’s producers and stylists have highlighted how the finals have doubled as a showcase for personal brand and fashion daring, a trend that continues to draw attention from fans and fashion observers alike.
Looking ahead, Sanchez’s public appearances are set to continue on a high-profile track. This week she is slated to walk in her first London Fashion Week show for Sprayground, a cult streetwear and travel accessory label, signaling that her career remains dynamic and multi-faceted as she transitions into motherhood and a broader entertainment portfolio.
The California finale capped a week of moments that blended performance, fashion and personal milestones. As seasons of AGT come to a close, the show’s judges and contestants alike have used the platform to tell stories that resonate with a broad audience, from pregnancy and motherhood to the enduring appeal of star-power on the red carpet. The night’s win by Sanchez, paired with the week’s style highlights and the occasional playful moment on the carpet, underscored the enduring appeal of a talent competition that blends music, television and celebrity culture in real time.