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The Unexpected AGT Winner: 5 Shocking Facts About Richard Goodall, The Singing Janitor Who Stole America's Heart

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The question of "who won America's Got Talent" in the most recent season has one of the most heartwarming and surprising answers in the show's history. As of December 24, 2025, the reigning champion of America's Got Talent Season 19 (2024) is the incredible vocalist Richard Goodall, a middle school janitor whose powerful voice and humble demeanor captivated millions of viewers and earned him the coveted $1 million prize and a headlining show in Las Vegas. His victory was a true underdog story, breaking a five-year streak of non-singing acts winning the competition and proving that talent can be found in the most unexpected places.

Richard Goodall’s journey from cleaning classrooms in Terre Haute, Indiana, to performing on the grandest stage in America is a testament to the show's core promise. His emotional performances, particularly his Golden Buzzer moment and his final duet with members of the legendary band Journey, secured his place as a fan favorite against a field of highly diverse and talented finalists, including a world-class dog act and a precision drone group. This article dives deep into the life and performances of the singing janitor, the other top finalists, and what his win means for the future of the show.

Richard Goodall: Biography and AGT Journey

Richard Goodall's victory is the culmination of a lifelong dream, proving that it's never too late to pursue your passion. His story resonated deeply with the American public, turning him into a global sensation overnight.

Richard Goodall Profile & Biography

  • Full Name: Richard Goodall
  • Occupation: Middle School Janitor (at West Vigo Middle School)
  • Hometown: Terre Haute, Indiana
  • Age at Win: 55
  • Talent: Singer (Vocalist)
  • AGT Season: Season 19 (2024)
  • Result: Winner
  • Prize: $1,000,000 and a headlining show in Las Vegas
  • Golden Buzzer: Received the Golden Buzzer from judge Heidi Klum
  • Notable Fact: First singer to win AGT in five years.

The Road to Victory: Richard Goodall's AGT Performances

Goodall’s path to the finale was marked by a series of powerful and emotionally charged performances, each earning standing ovations from the judges—Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, and Sofia Vergara—and host Terry Crews.

  • Audition: Goodall performed "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey. His raw, powerful rendition immediately moved the audience and earned him Heidi Klum's Golden Buzzer, sending him straight to the live shows. This performance went viral, solidifying his early frontrunner status.
  • Quarterfinals: He followed up his audition with a moving performance of "I Wanna Know What Love Is" by Foreigner, demonstrating his vocal range and emotional depth.
  • Semifinals: Goodall tackled "You Are the Reason" by Calum Scott, a choice that showcased his vulnerability and further connected him with the voting public.
  • Finals: For his final solo performance, he sang "This Is Me" from The Greatest Showman, a song that perfectly mirrored his personal journey. The pinnacle of the finale was his duet with members of Journey, reprising his signature song, "Don't Stop Believin'," which sealed his victory.

The AGT Season 19 Finalists: A Diverse Field of Talent

The 19th season of America's Got Talent was notable for its incredibly diverse group of finalists, showcasing a wide array of talents beyond traditional singing and dancing. Richard Goodall faced stiff competition from acts that pushed the boundaries of performance art and technology. The final results highlighted the public's appreciation for acts that combine unique skill with compelling storytelling.

Runner-Up: Roni Sagi & Rhythm (Dog Act)

The second-place spot was claimed by the Israeli dog trainer Roni Sagi and her talented Border Collie, Rhythm. Their high-energy, synchronized routines, which included complex tricks and adorable choreography, were a massive hit. Dog acts are consistently popular on AGT, and Roni Sagi & Rhythm's performances were praised for their precision, the obvious bond between trainer and dog, and the sheer joy they brought to the stage. Their act was a strong contender, narrowly missing the top prize.

Third Place: Sky Elements (Drone Group)

Securing third place was Sky Elements, a groundbreaking precision drone group. Their performances were a spectacle of modern technology and artistry, utilizing hundreds of illuminated drones to create stunning, three-dimensional images and animations in the sky. Their ability to tell a story using cutting-edge technology was a first for the show and demonstrated the evolving nature of talent in the 21st century.

The Rest of the Top 5 Finalists

The remainder of the top five further illustrates the unique mix of talent in Season 19:

  • 4th Place: Solange Kardinaly: A quick-change artist from Portugal whose dazzling speed and theatrical flair left the judges and audience in awe. Her act was a masterclass in illusion and stage presence.
  • 5th Place: Learnmore Jonasi: A comedian from Zimbabwe whose observational humor and infectious energy made him a breakout star. His unique perspective and comedic timing earned him a dedicated following.

Life After the Golden Buzzer: Richard Goodall's Post-Win Career

The $1 million prize, paid out over 40 years or as a smaller lump sum, is life-changing, but the true value of winning America's Got Talent lies in the platform it provides. For Richard Goodall, the win was not just a financial boon but a complete career transformation, moving him from a beloved school janitor to a professional touring artist.

In the months following his victory, Goodall has been actively embracing his new life. He has shared updates about his post-AGT career, confirming that the initial shock of winning has given way to a busy schedule of professional opportunities. He has been booking more and more performances, leveraging his newfound fame to connect with audiences across the country. His story continues to inspire, as he represents the power of perseverance and the idea that dreams deferred can still be realized later in life.

His immediate focus is preparing for the headlining show in Las Vegas, a crucial step in cementing his career as a professional entertainer. The exposure from the show, combined with his undeniable vocal talent, has positioned him to have a long and successful career in the music industry. His journey serves as a powerful reminder to the millions of viewers that the AGT stage truly is a place where ordinary people achieve extraordinary success.

The Legacy of AGT Winners: Where Richard Goodall Fits In

Richard Goodall joins an elite list of America's Got Talent winners, a roster that includes ventriloquists, singers, magicians, and performance artists. His win is significant for several reasons:

  • The Singer's Return: Goodall’s victory marked the first time a singer had won the main AGT competition since Kodi Lee in Season 14 (2019). This broke a four-season streak of non-singing acts, including spoken word artists, magicians, and dance troupes.
  • The Underdog Narrative: Following in the footsteps of previous winners like Terry Fator (ventriloquist) and Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. (singer), Goodall's story as a working-class hero who achieved stardom resonated with the show's core audience, who often prefer a relatable, humble champion.
  • The Golden Buzzer Power: His Golden Buzzer from Heidi Klum proved to be a powerful predictor of success, highlighting the judges' ability to spot a potential star early in the competition.

From the first winner, Bianca Ryan, to the most recent, Richard Goodall, the show continues to be a launchpad for incredible talent. Goodall’s success in Season 19 ensures that the dream of walking onto the stage and changing your life forever remains a powerful reality for aspiring performers around the world. The "singing janitor" is now a star, and his story will undoubtedly be a highlight in the history of America's Got Talent for years to come.

The Unexpected AGT Winner: 5 Shocking Facts About Richard Goodall, The Singing Janitor Who Stole America's Heart
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