Canada’s Got Talent (CGT) Season 5, which premiered on March 18, 2025, and concluded on May 13, 2025, crowned Jacob Lewis as the winner.

Lewis, a singer from Butlerville, Newfoundland and Labrador, captivated audiences and judges with his powerful vocal performances, earning two Golden Buzzers during the competition.

The season showcased a diverse array of talents, with 10 finalists competing for the $1 million grand prize provided by Rogers Communications. This article details the winner, finalists, notable semi-finalists, judges’ reactions, and more, in line with the 2025 season’s highlights.

Winner: Jacob Lewis

Jacob Lewis, a singer from Butlerville, Newfoundland and Labrador, was declared the winner of Canada’s Got Talent Season 5 during the live finale on May 13, 2025. His journey was marked by standout performances, including a rendition of Bon Jovi’s “Bed of Roses” during the auditions, which earned him a Golden Buzzer from judge Shania Twain.

In the semi-finals, Lewis performed Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things,” securing a rare second Golden Buzzer from judges Howie Mandel, Katherine Ryan, and Kardinal Offishall.

These accolades, combined with strong public support, led to his victory and the $1 million grand prize. Lewis expressed shock and gratitude, stating, “To get a second Golden Buzzer, I’m still shocked. I’m blown away” (PNI Atlantic News).

Runner-up: The Martin Boys

The Martin Boys, a singing duo, finished as the runners-up of Season 5. Advancing to the finale via judges’ vote, their harmonious performances resonated with audiences, earning them a strong fan base and a notable second-place finish.

Canada’s Got Talent Contestants 2025 & Finalists

The semi-finals, held on May 6, 2025, saw 14 acts compete, with 10 advancing to the live finale based on judges’ votes and public support. The finalists represented a wide range of talents, from singers to dance groups and a drone show. Below is a table listing the finalists, their act types, hometowns (where available), and how they advanced:

ContestantAct TypeHometownAdvanced Via
The Jambo BrothersDance GroupNot specifiedPublic Vote
TulgaNot specifiedNot specifiedPublic Vote
The Martin BoysSinging DuoNot specifiedJudge’s Vote
Darren LeoNot specifiedNot specifiedJudge’s Vote
Sai Kit LoNot specifiedNot specifiedJudge’s Vote
Illumin Drone ShowsDrone ShowNot specifiedJudge’s Vote
FunkyverseDance GroupToronto, ONJudge’s Vote
NicolinaSingerNot specifiedPublic Vote
Carsim BirminghamSingerVancouver, BCPublic Vote
Jacob LewisSingerButlerville, NLJudge’s Vote (Golden Buzzer)

Notable finalists included Carsim Birmingham, who received a Golden Buzzer from Kardinal Offishall during auditions, and Funkyverse, a Toronto-based dance group praised for their dynamic routines. Nicolina, a singer with prior experience on American Idol, also garnered significant public support.

Notable Semi-Finalists

Several acts made a strong impression during the semi-finals but did not advance to the finale. These included:

  • DeeDee Austin (Singer & Pianist, Abegweit First Nation, PEI): Received a Golden Buzzer from Shania Twain during auditions for her moving piano performance.
  • Ben Kahan: Buzzed out during the semi-finals.
  • Chantaaaal (Drag Queen Flutist, France): Delivered a unique and memorable performance.
  • TwoFourSeven: Noted for their competitive spirit but fell short of the finale.

These semi-finalists contributed to the season’s diversity and excitement, leaving a lasting impact on viewers .

Judges and Host

The judging panel for CGT Season 5 brought expertise and star power to the competition:

  • Shania Twain: Country music icon, absent during the semi-finals due to her world tour.
  • Katherine Ryan: Comedian, known for her sharp wit and insightful feedback.
  • Howie Mandel: Veteran talent show judge, praised acts for originality.
  • Kardinal Offishall: Music artist, celebrated for recognizing unique talents.

The host, Lindsay Ell, guided the show with charisma, returning for her fourth season.

Judges’ Reactions

The judges provided enthusiastic feedback throughout the season. Jacob Lewis was a standout, with Shania Twain commenting during his audition, “This is why we have this stage,” highlighting the platform’s purpose for talents like his.

In the semi-finals, Howie Mandel, Katherine Ryan, and Kardinal Offishall jointly awarded Lewis a second Golden Buzzer, a rare honor reflecting their belief in his potential.

Kardinal Offishall also praised Carsim Birmingham as “a once-in-a-generation talent” during auditions, though Birmingham did not win. Funkyverse and Nicolina were lauded for their energy and audience connection, contributing to the high expectations for the finale.

Canada’s Got Talent Past Winners

CGT has a history of rewarding diverse talents. Below is a table of past winners:

YearWinnerAct TypePrize
2012Sagkeeng’s FinestDance Troupe$100,000 + Nissan GT-R
2022Jeanick FournierSinger$150,000
2023ConversionDance Troupe$150,000
2024Rebecca StrongSinger$1,000,000
2025Jacob LewisSinger$1,000,000

The increase to a $1 million prize since 2024 reflects the show’s growing stakes.

Where to Watch Past Episodes

Viewers can stream episodes of Canada’s Got Talent Season 5 on Citytv+ or catch reruns on Citytv. The platform offers access to the full season, including auditions, semi-finals, and the live finale.

Stay Updated

Although Season 5 has concluded, fans can stay engaged by following Canada’s Got Talent on social media platforms like X, Instagram, and Facebook for updates on future seasons, behind-the-scenes content, and highlights from the 2025 season.