Golden Buzzer winner Richard Goodall talks about America’s Got Talent
Watch Richard Goodall, a janitor at West Vigo County Middle School, talk about his experience on “America’s Got Talent” and what he would do if he won.
Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar
From the moment he appeared on television, Terre Haute janitor Richard Goodall was the fan favorite to win season 19 of “America’s Got Talent.”
The Vigo County native has been winning hearts after a string of impressive performances by 1980s hitmakers including Journey, Michael Bolton and Survivor. Last week, he gave it his all onstage with a heartwarming performance of Journey’s “Faithfully,” dedicated to his then-fiancée (now wife!) Angie.
For a week, fans waited anxiously to see if Goodall would take home the million dollar prize and the chance to headline a show in Las Vegas.
Here’s what you need to know about the Season 19 results.
Did Richard Goodall win America’s Got Talent?
YES!
The deciding factor was singing janitor and dancer Roni Sagi and her dog Rhythm, but Goodall was once again surrounded by golden confetti on the “America’s Got Talent” stage when host Terry Crews announced his victory.
Goodall addressed the crowd and concluded with a triumphant “Angie, I did it!”
Watch Richard Goodall perform with Neal Schon and Journey in the AGT finale
At the finale on September 24, Goodall had a “pinch-me” moment while repeating his audition song along with original Journey guitarist Neal Schon and members of Journey.
Watch Richard Goodall’s performance in the AGT finale
After receiving a pre-recorded greeting from Journey lead guitarist Neal Schon himself, Goodall performed Journey’s 1983 hit “Faithfully” during the finals on September 17.
What did the AGT judges say about Richard Goodall’s performance in the finale?
On the Sept. 17 show, judge Heidi Klum, who has been supporting Goodall since his audition, said that while the humble, friendly janitor may be a quiet presence, he becomes a “major rock star” when he steps behind the microphone.
“Richard, I have been your biggest fan since the very first day we met and throughout the entire competition,” she said. “I want you to win so badly, Richard!”
Howie Mandel made a bold prediction: “I think you just sang yourself a million dollars.”
More: Watch all of Richard Goodall’s stunning performances on America’s Got Talent
Who were the top 5 finalists in season 19 of AGT?
How does the AGT $1 million prize work?
Winners do not take home a check for $1 million. Multiple sources have pointed to an NBC disclaimer that states, “The prize, totaling $1 million, will be paid in the form of an annuity over forty years, or the contestant may choose to receive the current cash value of that annuity.”
In 2016, Forbes reported that because of this disclaimer, AGT is only allowed to pay $25,000 per year for 40 years, and that this amount represents a pre-tax payment. Forbes also reported that the second part of the disclaimer actually allows them to pay even less should the winner choose that option. A smaller lump sum – “the present value of such an annuity” – would be a few hundred thousand dollars, not a full $1 million. If Goodall, who turns 55 next month, opts for the pension plan, he will be nearly 95 when payments are completed.
Contact IndyStar pop culture reporter Holly Hays at [email protected]. Follow her on X/Twitter: @hollyvhays.
