In a story that captured the hearts of millions, 55-year-old school janitor Richard Goodall became the surprise winner of America’s Got Talent (AGT) Season 19, taking home the $1 million prize after an emotional rendition of Journey’s classic hit, “Don’t Stop Believin’.” His stunning victory on September 25, 2024, is a tale of perseverance and passion, marking an extraordinary journey from cleaning classrooms to taking the center stage on one of the biggest talent platforms in the world.
Goodall, who has worked as a janitor at West Vigo Middle School in Terre Haute, Indiana, wowed the AGT judges and audience from his very first audition. Known for his powerful, soul-stirring vocals, he performed falsetto classics such as “Eye of the Tiger” and Michael Bolton’s “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You,” captivating audiences across the country.
Goodall’s journey began when he was encouraged by his students to audition for the show. At first, the janitor admitted to feeling intimidated by the idea of performing in front of the world. However, his love for music and the relentless support from the students, teachers, and community pushed him to take the leap. His audition, where he sang Journey’s “Faithfully,” earned him a Golden Buzzer from Heidi Klum, sending him straight to the finals.
“I’ve been cleaning floors for over 20 years, but music has always been my true passion. This is a dream come true,” Goodall said after his performance. Throughout his time on AGT, he became known for his humility, frequently mentioning that even if he didn’t win, he would return to his job as a janitor, showing up on Monday morning with a broom in hand.
In the final episode of AGT, Goodall faced stiff competition from a variety of acts, including a dazzling drone light show and a trained dog act. However, his soulful rendition of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” proved to be the winning performance. To add to the excitement, Goodall was joined on stage by members of Journey themselves—Neal Schon, Deen Castronovo, Todd Jensen, and Jason Derlatka—making the moment even more iconic.
Judges Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, and Howie Mandel were visibly moved by Goodall’s performance. Cowell, known for his harsh critiques, praised the janitor for his authenticity and perseverance, calling him the embodiment of the American Dream. “Richard, you are the kind of person this show was made for. You’ve inspired millions,” Cowell said.
Goodall’s road to victory was paved with emotion and dedication. Each of his performances during the AGT season struck a chord with the audience. His falsetto renditions of anthems like “Eye of the Tiger” and “Faithfully” drew standing ovations from the audience and praise from the judges. But it was his final performance, accompanied by Journey, that secured him the $1 million prize.
Notably, AGT winners are offered their prize as an annuity paid over time, which means Goodall’s life may not drastically change overnight. He has stated that while the money will certainly help, he plans to continue working as a janitor at West Vigo Middle School, where he has become a local hero.
Goodall’s victory on AGT is not just about the million-dollar prize or the accolades he received—it’s about the power of perseverance and the importance of believing in oneself. His journey has inspired millions of viewers, showing that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.
“Richard is proof that no matter where you come from, with hard work and dedication, you can achieve anything,” said Heidi Klum. Fans across social media platforms have been showering the 55-year-old with love and admiration, with many hailing his journey as one of the most heartwarming stories to come out of the 2024 season.
Following his win, Goodall has expressed interest in pursuing music more seriously while balancing his responsibilities at the school. “I’m not leaving my job just yet,” he told reporters with a smile. “I love my school, and I love the kids. This victory is for all of them.”
Goodall has already been approached by several record labels and concert promoters, but he remains focused on maintaining a sense of normalcy in his life. “I want to keep doing what I love—singing and working with the community that has always supported me,” he said.
As Goodall continues his post-AGT journey, he hopes to use his newfound platform to inspire others who may feel like their dreams are out of reach. “You’re never too old to dream. You just have to keep going, keep believing, and never give up,” Goodall told fans in his closing speech.
Goodall’s story is a reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary talent comes from the most unexpected places. As he sang his winning song, “Don’t Stop Believin’,” the message could not have been clearer—dreams really do come true, even for a humble janitor from Indiana.
2 Comments
This guy is great and he must love Journey, I love them also. Faithfully is also a Joyrney song. I would have voted for the drone show until I hear him do Don’t Stop Believin.
Richard definitely deserved to win this year; it’s uncanny how much his voice mirrors the voice of Steve Perry, former lead singer for Journey. However, you have his song sequence backwards. His Golden Buzzer audition was “Don’t Stop Believing,” followed by the Michael Bolton song, then “Eye of the Tiger,” and then his finals performance, “Faithfully.” Then he sang “Don’t Stop Believing” again with members of Journey at the awards show.