The latest season of “America’s Got Talent” has ended, but not without controversy. While Richard Goodall took home the grand prize, many viewers were left feeling disappointed, sparking debate online about whether the right contestant had won.
Goodall and fellow finalist Roni Sagi, along with her dog Rhythm, stood next to host Terry Crews as the results were announced. Crews built up the anticipation, reminding the audience of the many acts that had competed for the $1 million prize and highlighting the journey that led to the final two performers.
In a moment filled with suspense, lights, and fanfare, Crews finally announced, “The ‘AGT’ champion and winner of $1 million is… Richard Goodall!” The crowd erupted, and Goodall, visibly emotional, bent over in disbelief. Confetti filled the air, celebrating the victory. Judges Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara, and Simon Cowell all gave Goodall a standing ovation. Klum, who had supported Goodall with her Golden Buzzer earlier in the season, rushed to the stage to hug him, expressing her excitement for his win.
However, while the celebration inside the studio was full of joy, the reaction on social media was mixed, to say the least. Many viewers felt that Roni Sagi and Rhythm deserved the win instead. Comments like “He shouldn’t have won” and “So rigged” circulated on platforms like X and Instagram. Others were even more critical, suggesting that Goodall was not the best performer and questioning the fairness of the results.
Despite the online backlash, Goodall remains unfazed by the negative commentary. In an interview, he reflected on his win, describing the experience as beyond surreal. He also shared his excitement about performing with the legendary band Journey during his final performance and spoke about how overjoyed his wife Angie is for him.
Goodall also opened up about his future plans, mentioning that he and his wife hope to buy a house with the prize money. He expressed gratitude for Klum’s unwavering support throughout the competition, sharing that she had always believed in him, and he thanked her for being his champion.
While opinions on Goodall’s win remain divided, it’s clear that the humble janitor-turned-AGT champion is savoring his moment in the spotlight, undeterred by the controversy surrounding his victory.
