After weeks of dazzling performances, emotional highs, and fierce competition, America’s Got Talent (AGT) crowned its newest champion, Richard Goodall, a 55-year-old janitor from Terre Haute, Indiana. On September 24, 2024, Goodall won not only the prestigious title of AGT Season 19 winner but also a life-changing grand prize of $1 million. In a finale filled with surprises, Goodall revealed that he had recently married his partner, Ang, making this victory even more special.
Goodall’s victory resonated deeply with viewers, not just because of his powerful voice but also because of his inspiring journey from a small-town janitor to a national sensation. Let’s dive into the incredible story of Richard Goodall and how his AGT triumph is an inspiration to all who dream big.
The Golden Buzzer Moment That Changed Everything
Richard Goodall first captured the hearts of the AGT judges and audience with his soulful rendition of Journey’s classic hit, Don’t Stop Believin’. The performance was not just well-received but earned him one of the most coveted honors on the show—a Golden Buzzer from judge Heidi Klum. The Golden Buzzer is a moment of pure magic on AGT, where a contestant is propelled straight to the live shows, bypassing the usual elimination rounds. For Goodall, it was a dream come true, and a stepping stone to the finale.
Goodall reflected on this surreal moment, sharing with PEOPLE, “My brain is just absolutely mush at this point. Surreal doesn’t even cover what has happened. This has been an absolute rollercoaster and now it has ended with absolute golden dust flying everywhere.” His candid reflection perfectly encapsulated the whirlwind journey he had been on.
The Emotional AGT Finale: Goodall’s Stunning Performance
In a full-circle moment, Goodall returned to the AGT stage during the finale to perform Don’t Stop Believin’—the same song that launched his journey—this time, alongside members of the band Journey themselves. It was a performance that brought the house down and cemented his status as a fan favorite.
The finale was packed with thrilling performances from the top 10 finalists, each act vying for the top prize. These finalists included:
- Brent Street – Dancers extraordinaire
- Sky Elements – Drone show specialists
- Learnmore Jonasi – Comedian with a unique voice
- Sebastian & Sonia – A mesmerizing dance duo
- Dee Dee Simon – A powerhouse vocalist
- Solange Kardinaly – Quick-change artist
- Hakuna Matata Acrobats – Stunning acrobatics team
- Rhythm and Roni – A dynamic rhythmic duo
- AIRFOOTWORKS – High-energy footwork specialists
As the show progressed, the tension mounted, and the top five acts were announced: Richard Goodall, Sky Elements, Solange Kardinaly, Rhythm and Roni, and comedian Learnmore Jonasi. One by one, the finalists were eliminated, with Jonasi finishing in fifth place, Kardinaly in fourth, and Sky Elements securing third place.
The final moment came down to Goodall and Rhythm and Roni, with host Terry Crews announcing that Richard Goodall had won the season. As confetti rained down and cheers erupted, Goodall embraced the magnitude of his victory, saying, “People say this all the time, but it means everything to Ang and I. It gives us a chance and an opportunity to do something different, get a nice house, and give back to people.”
A Life-Changing Victory — And a New Beginning
While winning America’s Got Talent is a life-changing moment in itself, for Goodall, the finale had an even more profound significance. During the post-show interview, he revealed that he had recently gotten married to his longtime partner, Ang. Throughout the competition, Ang was a constant source of support for Goodall, traveling with him and cheering him on from the sidelines.
“She means the world to me,” Goodall told PEOPLE. “I couldn’t have made it through this without her.” The newlyweds now have the opportunity to fulfill dreams they never imagined, including buying a house—a dream Ang humorously highlighted by quipping, “I’m getting my house… and a washer dryer!”
From Janitor to Superstar — Staying Humble Amid Fame
Despite his newfound fame and fortune, Goodall remains grounded and true to his roots. He intends to return to his job as a janitor at Chauncey Rose Middle School, at least for a little while. His love for his job and the community he serves is evident, and even after winning AGT, Goodall plans to stay connected to the school and the children he works with.
As judge Heidi Klum noted, “I’m beyond excited for him… he’s going home as this amazing hero back to his town and his school. I’m sure he’s still going to continue doing his job because I feel like that is just the man that he is.”
Goodall has expressed his desire to use the prize money wisely. “We intend to invest some and then get a nice house and then just see what opportunities come our way,” he said. While his future is undoubtedly bright, he remains focused on making decisions alongside his wife, Ang, ensuring that they navigate this new chapter of their lives together.
Lessons from Richard Goodall’s Journey: Dreams Do Come True
Richard Goodall’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, humility, and never giving up on your dreams—no matter your age or background. From a janitor in Terre Haute, Indiana, who had never even been on a plane, to performing with members of Journey and winning America’s Got Talent, Goodall’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that dreams can come true with hard work and determination.
His heartfelt performances, down-to-earth personality, and devotion to his family have endeared him to millions of viewers across the country. As he moves forward, whether continuing his work as a janitor or pursuing new musical opportunities, Richard Goodall’s legacy as an AGT champion will inspire countless others to chase their dreams, no matter where they begin.
