Once-in-a-lifetime moments keep happening for Richard Goodall on Season 19 of “America’s Got Talent.”
The fan favorite earned a Golden Buzzer from judge Heidi Klum during his audition, singing Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’,” and he’s sailed through every round of the show since. Now, it’s up to fans to decide if Goodall will take home the $1 million prize and the chance to headline a show in Las Vegas.
One of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities was Goodall’s reprise Tuesday night of his audition song — this time alongside Neal Schon and members of Journey, the band whose music has helped him captivate audiences both back home in Terre Haute and beyond.
“Just pinch me,” Goodall said after the performance.
Watch Richard Goodall sing with Journey 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 original member remaining in the band’s lineup. Prior to forming Journey, he was a member of the band Santana. Schon, as a member of Journey, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.
“We’ve been on tour for the last six months, and I’ve been watching this phenomenon,” Schon told host Terry Crews after the performance. “He’s an amazing singer, amazing man, and I’m proud to be here today for him.”
Has Steve Perry reached out to Richard Goodall?
Not that we know of — at least since AGT has started. Perry, the legendary former frontman of Journey, previously commented on a TikTok video of Goodall performing “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 hasn’t been announced yet. Check back here for updates!
Which America’s Got Talent acts advanced to the finals?
Six acts advanced to the finals from the Sept. 11 semifinals show, and four received Live Show Golden Buzzers that advanced them directly to the finals. Here are the finalists for Season 19, with the Live Show Golden Buzzer recipients noted with an asterisk.
- Roni Sagi & Rhythm (dancer and dancing dog)
- Sky Elements (aerial drones)
- Learnmore Jonasi (stand-up comedian)
- Solange Kardinaly (quick-change magician)
- Brent Street (dance group)
- Richard Goodall (singer)
- Hakuna Matata Acrobats* (acrobatics group)
- AIRFOOTWORKS* (dance group)
- Dee Dee Simon* (singer)
- Sebastian and Sonia* (aerialists)
How does the AGT $1 million prize work?
Winners don’t actually take home a $1 million check. Multiple sources have pointed to an NBC disclaimer that notes: “The prize, which totals $1,000,000, is payable in a financial annuity over forty years, or the contestant may choose to receive the present cash value of such annuity.”
In 2016, Forbes reported that that disclaimer allows AGT to pay only $25,000 a year for 40 years, and that that 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 of money — “the present cash value of such annuity” — would amount to a few hundred thousand dollars, not a full $1 million.
If Goodall, who turns 55 next month, chooses the annuity plan, he will be nearly 95 when payments are complete.
