After a season of shocking performances and global talents, America’s Got Talent crowned school janitor Richard Goodall as the winner of its 19th season on Tuesday night.
The 55-year-old from Indiana beat out dog performing duo from Israel, Roni Sagi and Rhythm in the final two to take home the $1 million grand prize.
Goodell first wow’d the judges with his audition when he sang “Don’t Stop Believin” by Journey. His performance in the finals saw him belt out another Journey hit, “Faithfully”, that ended up giving him the win.
“You are such an amazing man. You are so humble, you’re so kind. You are also a little bit quiet, but not when you are behind the microphone!” judge Heidi Klum told Goodall during the finals. “Then you are a big rockstar! … I want you to win this so bad, Richard.”
“I think you just sang yourself $1 million. I believe this is the winner,” judge Howie Mandel added.
Goodall, along with Brent Street, Sky Elements, Learnmore Jonasi, Sebastian & Sonia, Dee Dee Simon, Solange Kardinaly, Hakuna Matata Acrobats, Rhythm and Roni and AIRFOOTWORKS all made the finals.
Host Terry Crews announced Goodell, Learnmore Jonasi, Rhythm and Roni, Solange Kardinaly, and Sky Elements all made the top five.
“I’m beyond excited for him. I know this will change his life,” Klum said after the winning announcement. “He got married … and all of America has fallen in love with him, and also now he’s going home as this amazing hero back to his town.”
America’s Got Talent will return to NBC in 2025 for its 20th season.
