Richard Goodall is an American singer and janitor. He is best known as the winner of season 19 of America's Got Talent in 2024.[1] He was the first singer in five years to win the show and received a golden buzzer in the first round from Heidi Klum.[2]
Richard Goodall | |
|---|---|
| Born | Richard Goodall |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, janitor |
| Years active | 2024–present |
| Known for | America's Got Talent season 19 winner |
Background
editGoodall lives in Terre Haute, Indiana, where he has worked as a school janitor with the Vigo County School Corporation for 23 years. Often singing to amuse himself while on the job, a video of him performing "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey to the students went viral online in 2022.[3] News outlets such as Fox News and ABC News shared the clip in 2022.[4]
Career
editAmerica's Got Talent
editIn 2024, Goodall auditioned for the nineteenth season of America's Got Talent. His audition aired on May 28, 2024. His performance received widespread acclaim from the public and judges and judge Simon Cowell said that Goodall was his "hero."[5] Judge Heidi Klum gave him a golden buzzer, sending him directly to the live shows. As of October 2024, his audition has over 28 million views on the show's official YouTube channel. His next performance was in the first live show of the season, singing Michael Bolton's "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You". Goodall dedicated the performance to his fiancé, Angie Vanoven.[6] In the semifinals, he sang Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger".[7] Advancing to the finals, Goodall sang "Faithfully" by Journey. In the finale, Neal Schon and other members of Journey performed with Goodall; they sang his audition song, "Don't Stop Believin'".[8]
Performances and results
edit| Week | Song choice | Original artist | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audition | "Don't Stop Believin'" | Journey | Golden Buzzer from judge Heidi Klum |
| Quarterfinals | "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" | Michael Bolton | Advanced |
| Semifinals | "Eye of the Tiger" | Survivor | Advanced |
| Finals | "Faithfully" | Journey | N/A |
| Finale | "Don't Stop Believin'" ft. Neal Schon and Journey | Journey | Winner |
Personal life
editGoodall married his fiancé, Angie Vanoven, in Pasadena, California on September 18, 2024, 6 days before he was announced the winner of season 19 of America's Got Talent.[9]
References
edit- ^ "Richard Goodall: The Singing Janitor's Triumphant Journey to Winning America's Got Talent 2024". The Prime Headline. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
- ^ "'America's Got Talent' Crowns Its Newest Champion! See Who Won Season 19". Peoplemag. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
- ^ "Richard Goodall — Don't Stop Believin' on TikTok". TikTok. 2024-05-28. Retrieved 2024-09-24.
- ^ "Elementary school janitor goes viral for 'Don't Stop Believin performance | Fox News Video". Fox News. 2022-07-20. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
- ^ Robinson, KiMi. "'America's Got Talent' 2024 winner revealed to be Indiana's 'singing janitor'". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
- ^ "Janitor Richard Goodall Sings His Heart Out to "How Am I Supposed To Live Without You"". NBC Insider Official Site. 2024-08-15. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
- ^ "Richard Goodall's "Eye of the Tiger" Cover Draws Rocky Comparison from Simon Cowell". NBC Insider Official Site. 2024-09-13. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
- ^ Hays, Holly V. "Watch Richard Goodall perform with Neal Schon, Journey on 'America's Got Talent' finale". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
- ^ "Congrats! AGT's Richard Goodall Got Married in Malibu a Day After the Final (DETAILS)". NBC Insider Official Site. 2024-09-25. Retrieved 2024-09-26.