Richard Goodall, a middle school janitor with a big voice, has won America’s Got Talent (AGT) Season 19. When host Terry Crews called his name as the winner, Richard was completely shocked. He never expected to win but his incredible singing and inspiring story touched the hearts of people all over the country. From getting the golden buzzer to standing on stage during the finale, his journey has been a dream come true.
In an interview with Gold Derby, Richard shared how he never thought he would win. Going into the finale, he hoped to make it to the top five but actually winning the $1 million prize was beyond anything he imagined. His story of going from cleaning classrooms to standing on one of the biggest stages in the world has inspired millions of people.
Richard Goodall on winning America’s Got Talent Season 19: ‘I was just flabbergasted … pinch me!’
One of the biggest moments for Richard was when he got to sing with the famous rock band Journey during the finale. He called it a “bucket list moment”—something so special that he couldn’t believe it was real. His natural talent and humble personality made him a fan favorite throughout the season. Many AGT viewers and Gold Derby’s experts had predicted from the start that he would win.
Richard’s quarterfinal performance was one of the most powerful moments of the season. He sang “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey, and his strong, emotional voice gave everyone chills. The audience and judges were blown away, and the performance quickly went viral online. This was the moment when many people realized that Richard could actually win the whole competition.
Richard Goodall Sings “How Am I Supposed To Live Without You” | Quarterfinals | AGT 2024
The quarterfinals were also an emotional night for Richard. He had to compete against many other amazing acts, and one of the hardest moments was when Los Os Kids, a young dance group, was eliminated. Since Richard works at a middle school, he felt connected to them and understood how much this opportunity meant to them. He later said that watching them leave the competition was heartbreaking for him.
Richard Goodall’s story is proof that dreams can come true, no matter where you start. He went from singing while working as a janitor to winning America’s heart on one of the biggest stages in the world. If you love his voice and want to support his journey, follow him on social media, stream his music, and stay tuned for what he does next!