(From left to right): Howie Mandel, Simon Cowell, Richard Goodall, Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara and Terry Crews on “America’s Got Talent.”NBC
Richard Goodall, a singing janitor, was victorious in the 19th season of America’s Got Talent on September 24, culminating in a remarkable tale of rags to riches.
As he introduced the two finalists, Goodall and the dance combo Roni Sagi and Rhythm, host Terry Crews referred to it as “one of the best seasons I can remember.” He then declared that Goodall was the recipient of the $1 million grand award.
Streamers dropped from the roof onto the stage as soon as he was declared the victor, and the crowd let out a loud roar. Judge Heidi Klum hurried to hug Goodall on stage.
Goodall cited judge Simon Cowell’s earlier remarks on how swiftly life can change in response to a question about his feelings following his victory.
According to Simon, two minutes may transform your life. I changed my life, and I’m proud of myself,” he declared.
“Richard, I’m so thrilled for you!” Klum gave a cheer. “I can’t wait! I cherish you. America, I’m grateful.
From his debut on the show, Terre Haute, Indiana native Goodall had been a fan favorite. On the May 28 show, Klum gave him the Golden Buzzer for his rendition of Journey’s hit song “Don’t Stop Believin’.” He later performed the song again with the band during the finale.
Richard Goodall (center) celebrates after winning “America’s Got Talent.”NBC
Goodall also relished the benefits of his newfound notoriety; for the program, he was flown to California, which was a first for him.
You guys, oh my god. After being given the Golden Buzzer, he remarked, “I’ve never even been on a plane.” “I never thought I would visit California. It’s merely a fantasy realized.
The judges came to realize that Goodall was a formidable opponent as the season progressed.
After he sang Michael Bolton’s “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” on the August 13 episode, Klum said to him, “I don’t know what it is about you, Richard, but I have a really soft spot for you in my heart.”
Richard Goodall has gone from a janitor who had never flown to winning “America’s Got Talent.”Trae Patton / NBC
Cowell informed him, “And if you make it through, you really do have a chance to win this entire competition.”
Goodall is still in shock by his victory.
He admitted to being really anxious throughout the audition to People. “I had never traveled outside of Missouri or aboard an aircraft. I imagined that I would just take off, perform a song, return home, maybe notify a few people that I was on the show, and publish a short YouTube video along with everyone else. This is not what I ever imagined.
Perhaps the second-biggest thing that has happened to Goodall this week is winning the show. He disclosed that he got married in the series finale.
Goodall (center) received a hug from one of his biggest supporters. judge Heidi Klum (right).NBC
“My life’s love is her.” He sang “Don’t Stop Believin,” and thereafter he stated, “I love her so much.”
Goodall is still attempting to process the events of his hectic week.
“Right now, my thinking is simply a total chaos. “Surreal barely scratches the surface of what’s happened,” he told People. “This has been an incredible journey, and at this point, everything seems to be dusted with gold.”
According to Goodall, winning “America’s Got Talent” is a remarkable accomplishment. He said, “There are things on a bucket list and then there are the really special ones.” I had no idea I wanted one like this. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do but never even considered.”
