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
In season 19 of “America’s Got Talent,” Richard Goodall continues to experience unique moments.
The crowd favorite earned a Golden Buzzer from judge Heidi Klum during his audition singing Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin'” and has since breezed through every round of the show. Now it’s up to fans to decide if Goodall takes home the $1 million prize and the chance to headline a show in Las Vegas.
One of those unique opportunities was Goodall’s reprise of his audition song Tuesday night – this time alongside Neal Schon and members of Journey, the band whose music has helped him captivate audiences both in his native Terre Haute and elsewhere.
“Just pinch me,” Goodall said after the performance.
Watch Richard Goodall sing with Journey on America’s Got Talent
More: Watch all of Richard Goodall’s stunning performances on America’s Got Talent
Who is Neal Schon?
Schon is the lead guitarist and one of the founding members of Journey and the only remaining original member in the band. Before forming Journey, he was a member of the band Santana. Schon was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Journey in 2017.
“We’ve been on tour for six months and I’ve been observing this phenomenon,” Schon told host Terry Crews after the performance. “He’s an incredible singer, an incredible man and I’m proud to be here for him today.”
Has Steve Perry contacted Richard Goodall?
Not that we know of — at least not since AGT started. Perry, the legendary former frontman of Journey, previously commented on a TikTok video of Goodall singing “Don’t Stop Believin'” at a school talent show in 2022. “I love this,” Perry wrote.
Who won season 19 of America’s Got Talent?
The winner has not been announced yet. Check back here for updates!
Which acts from America’s Got Talent made it to the finals?
Six acts made it through to the finals from the semi-final show on September 11, and four received the Live Show Golden Buzzer, which put them straight through to the finals. Here are the Season 19 finalists, with the Live Show Golden Buzzer winners marked with an asterisk.
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.”
More: Richard Goodall says he will marry his fiancée in California before the finale of “America’s Got Talent”
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 into the retirement plan, he will be nearly 95 when payments finish.
Contact IndyStar pop culture reporter Holly Hays at [email protected]. Follow her on X/Twitter: @hollyvhays.
