Richard Goodall
Richard Goodall | |
|---|---|
| Occupation(s) | Singer, janitor |
| Known for | America's Got Talent season 19 winner |
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 the Golden Buzzer award in the first round from Heidi Klum.[2]
Background
[edit]Goodall lives in Terre Haute, Indiana where he has worked as a 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'" 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
[edit]America's Got Talent
[edit]In 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, with judge Simon Cowell stating that Goodall was his "hero."[5] Judge Heidi Klum gave him the golden buzzer, sending Goodall directly to the live shows. As of September 2024, his audition has over 25 million views on the show's official YouTube channel. Goodall's next performance took place in the first live show of the season, singing Michael Bolton's "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You". Goodall stated the performance was dedicated to his fiancé, Angie.[6] In the semifinals, Goodall sang Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger".[7] Progressing to the finals, Goodall sang "Faithfully" by Journey. In the finale, Neal Schon and other members of Journey performed alongside Goodall where 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
[edit]Goodall married his fiancé, Angie Vanoven, in California on September 18, 2024. His marriage occurred one day before the prerecorded tape took place where he was announced as 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.