From the moment he first appeared on television screens, Terre Haute janitor Richard Goodall was a fan favorite to win Season 19 of “America’s Got Talent.”
The Vigo County native has stolen hearts after a run of impressive performances from 1980s hitmakers including Journey, Michael Bolton and Survivor. He left it all on the stage last week with a heartwarming performance of Journey’s “Faithfully,” which was dedicated to his then-fiancée (now wife!), Angie.
Fans waited anxiously for a week to learn whether Goodall would take home the $1 million prize and have the chance to headline a show in Las Vegas.
Here’s what you need to know about the Season 19 results.
Did Richard Goodall win America’s Got Talent?
YES!
It came down to the singing janitor and dancer Roni Sagi and her dog Rhythm, but Goodall was once again surrounded by gold confetti on the America’s Got Talent stage when host Terry Crews announced his win.
Goodall addressed the crowd, finishing with a triumphant: “Angie, I did it!”
Watch Richard Goodall perform with Neal Schon and Journey in AGT finale
During the Sept. 24 finale, Goodall had a “pinch me” moment, reprising his audition song alongside original Journey guitarist Neal Schon and members of Journey.
Watch Richard Goodall perform in AGT finals
After getting a pre-taped shout-out from Journey lead guitarist Neal Schon himself, Goodall performed Journey’s 1983 hit “Faithfully” during the Sept. 17 finals round.
What did AGT judges say about Richard Goodall’s finals performance?
In the Sept. 17 show, Judge Heidi Klum, who has supported Goodall since his audition, said the humble, kind janitor may have a quiet presence, but he becomes a “big rock star” when he steps behind the mic.
“Richard, I have been faithfully your biggest fan since the very, very first day we met, all the way through this competition,” she said. “I want you to win this so bad, Richard!”
Howie Mandel made a bold prediction: “I think you just sang yourself $1 million.”
Who were the Top 5 finalists in Season 19 of AGT?
- Sky Elements (aerial drones)
- Learnmore Jonasi (stand-up comedian)
- Richard Goodall (singer)
- Solange Kardinaly (quick-change magician)
- Roni Sagi & Rhythm (dancer and dancing dog)
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.
