Richard Goodall Wins America’s Got Talent and Steals America’s Heart And Becomes AGT’s Million-Dollar Star

ERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO) — The humble singing janitor with a golden voice won a million dollars and the hearts of a worldwide audience Tuesday night.

“I was standing there just waiting and they flipped it open and said my name. Wow! Confetti comes down. Magic,” Richard Goodall said as he held the card that AGT host Terry Cruz used to announce the winner.

Terre Haute’s singing janitor wins AGT and million dollar prize

Hearing his name has been a long time coming. Goodall started the audition process in the spring. It all came about after a Tik Tok video was posted of him singing to students at West Vigo. AGT judge Howie Mandell was among those who saw it.

“When I saw him, when he stepped on our stage, you felt the love that not only I had for him, but the hope he would win,” Howie Mandell said from AGT’s red carpet. “You just knew people at home would have the same magnetic need to vote.”

And vote people did. Viewers sent him to the top spot. Other judges were also won over by that same magnetic personality.

“He came so far in the competition. America fell in love with him. The real person. The real dream. His life is going to change after this,” said AGT Judge Sophia Vigara.

“Him singing on that stage, look just talking about it gives me goosebumps on top of goosebumps. It’s just beautiful. He sounds beautiful. You know, he’s just yummy,” added AGT judge Heidi Klum.

On the red carpet, Goodall thanked WTWO for being part of his journey.

“You guys have been with me through the whole journey. You all have been with me through the whole kit and caboodle,” said Goodall with a smile.

He also thanked people in the Wabash Valley for all of their support.

“Thank you Wabash Valley, Terre Haute, Indiana. Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Goodall said as he lowered his head in an emotional moment.

Goodall added singing with the band “Journey” was a “top shelf” bucket list item.

As for his future plans, he talked about returning to his job as a school janitor for at least a little while. He also said he and his wife Angie would like to buy a house. While his roots run deep in Terre Haute, he said he may look at getting a house in Florida too, because he does not like the Indiana winters.

Related Posts

TX Supreme Court Sets Sept. 4 Hearing In Case To Remove Dems From Seats

When Texas House Democrats fled the state to stall a vote on a new congressional map, Gov. Greg Abbott made the extraordinary move of petitioning the Texas…

Sydnie Christmas brings rugby past back to life as she takes on a new role, showing BGT didn’t tell the full story

With a career defined by powerhouse vocals and show-stopping stage presence, Sydnie Christmas has once again surprised audiences by stepping into an entirely new arena: the world…

Millionaire stop in front of beggar and Says you Are my Mom, When the DNA results show up she became SPEECHLESS

For as long as Daniel Foster could remember, two truths shaped his life: he had been adopted, and somewhere in the world lived a woman who had…

I Criticized My Wife’s Gift to Her Parents — I Never Expected Her Response

My wife works tirelessly — holding down two full-time jobs and earning a strong six-figure income. Meanwhile, I’ve been in a season of “finding myself,” trying different…

What Happened at Home That Taught Me a Valuable Lesson

One evening, I came home later than usual, tired from a long day. As I walked down the hallway, I noticed my roommate quickly slipping into her…

America’s Got Talent Champion Darci Lynne Lights Up the Holidays With Her Joyful and Charming Performance of the Classic “All I Want for Christmas”

The holiday season is always filled with music, joy, and a sense of togetherness, but few performances capture the true spirit of Christmas quite like Darci Lynne’s rendition…