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Did Terre Haute Caretaker Richard Goodall Win?

Vaseline September 25, 2024

From the moment he first appeared on television, Terre Haute janitor Richard Goodall was one of the favorites to win Season 19 of “America’s Got Talent.”

The Vigo County native has stolen hearts after a string of impressive performances from ’80s hitmakers including Journey, Michael Bolton and Survivor. He bared it all on stage last week with a heartwarming rendition of Journey’s “Faithfully,” which was dedicated to his then-fiancée (now wife!) Angie.

Fans waited anxiously for a week to see if Goodall would take home the $1 million prize and get the chance to headline in Las Vegas.

Here’s what you need to know about the Season 19 results.

Did Richard Goodall Win America’s Got Talent?

YES!

Ultimately, singing janitor/dancer Roni Sagi and her dog Rhythm got to speak, but Goodall was once again surrounded by gold confetti on the America’s Got Talent stage when host Terry Crews announced his victory.

Goodall addressed the audience, closing his speech with a triumphant, “Angie, I did it!”

Watch Richard Goodall Perform With Neal Schon and Journey in the AGT Finale

During the finale on September 24, Goodall had a “pinch me” moment, reprising his audition number with original Journey guitarist Neal Schon and members of Journey.

Watch Richard Goodall Perform on the AGT Finale

After receiving a pre-recorded shout-out from Journey lead guitarist Neal Schon himself, Goodall performed Journey’s 1983 hit “Faithfully” during the final round on September 17.

What did the AGT judges say about Richard Goodall’s graduation performance?

On the September 17 show, judge Heidi Klum, who has supported Goodall since his audition, said the humble, friendly janitor may have a quiet exterior, but that he becomes a “big rock star” once he steps behind the microphone.

“Richard, I have been your biggest fan since the very first day we met, right up until this competition,” she said. “I want you to win this so badly, Richard!”

Howie Mandel made a bold prediction: “I think you just sang yourself a million dollars.”

More: Watch All of Richard Goodall’s Stunning Performances on ‘America’s Got Talent’

Who were the five finalists in season 19 of AGT?

How does the $1 Million AGT Prize Pool work?

Winners don’t actually take home a $1 million check. Multiple sources have pointed to a disclaimer from NBC that states: “The prize, which totals $1,000,000, will be paid in a financial annuity over 40 years, or the contestant may elect to receive the cash value of such annuity.”

In 2016, Forbes reported that that disclaimer allows AGT to pay just $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 essentially allows them to pay even less, should the winner choose that option. A smaller lump sum — “the present cash value of such an 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 by the time the payments are complete.

Contact IndyStar pop culture reporter Holly Hays at [email protected]. Follow her on X/Twitter: @hollyvhays.