The fifth season was won by soul singer Michael Grimm, with classical crossover singer Jackie Evancho finishing in second, and blacklight performaners Fighting Gravity placing third. During its broadcast, the season averaged around over 11 million viewers, with its season finale the most watched in the program's history with around 16.41 million viewers.

Jackie submitted her audition for America Got Talent season 5 onto YouTube. The audition consisted of singing 'Panis Angelicus'. Jackie's audition was strong to receive enough votes from YouTube users to vote her immediately into the Quarterfinals.

Jackie got her big break in the 'America Got Talent' in the Quarterfinals on the 10'th of August 2010, where she sang 'O Mio Babbino Caro', at the time Jackie was only 10 years old. Jackie received a standing ovation after her performance and was awarded a trip to Universal Studios Florida for receiving the most fan votes of all the YouTube submissions to the show.

Howie Mandel said in his criticism that the show was looking for: 'Find that one moment, that one gem, that one star from a place we've never looked before at America's Got Talent... And you know what... This is the moment... You're the star...'

Piers Morgan said: 'That is one of the most extraordinary performances that I have ever seen on America's Got Talent. Everyone in the audience probably felt what I did, we all felt goosebumps. I know what is going to happen here, we're going to wake up tomorrow and America is gonna be going crazy for a little girl who just sang like an angel...'

Sharon Osbourne said: 'Is this for real, I can't believe that from this tiny body this huge mature voice that you have. It is absolutely amazing, I can't believe it. I have never seen anything like it'...