If you’ve been following the whirlwind of talent shows lately, you know that the "middle-of-the-road" acts usually get weeded out by the time the confetti drops. But America’s Got Talent Season 19 felt different. It wasn't just about who had the biggest production or the flashiest lights. Honestly, it was about a guy who spent the last 23 years cleaning up spills and emptying trash cans in a middle school.
Richard Goodall, the soft-spoken janitor from Terre Haute, Indiana, is who won AGT season 19.
He didn't just win a title; he basically broke the internet and a five-year "singer's curse" on the show. We haven't seen a singer take home the $1 million grand prize since Kodi Lee back in Season 14. For a while there, it looked like acrobats and dog acts were the only things America wanted to see. Then Richard walked onto that stage and everything changed.
Why Richard Goodall's Win Actually Matters
Heidi Klum’s Golden Buzzer choice wasn't just a "feel-good" story for the cameras. It was real. Richard is 56, making him the oldest winner in the history of the franchise. That’s a huge deal in an industry that usually obsesses over teenagers and the "next big young thing."
He spent over two decades at West Vigo Elementary and Chauncey Rose Middle School. He was just "Mr. Richard" to the kids. Then a video of him singing "Don’t Stop Believin’" went viral in 2022, and suddenly, he's flying on a plane for the first time in his life to audition in front of Simon Cowell.
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The finale was a total rollercoaster. Richard stood there on that stage—his brain "absolute mush," as he later told reporters—and watched as the competition fell away. It came down to him and the dog act Roni Sagi & Rhythm.
When Terry Crews shouted his name, the reaction wasn't just excitement. It was pure, unadulterated shock.
The Final Standings: Who Else Nearly Took It?
While Richard grabbed the top spot, the Season 19 finale was stacked with some of the most technical acts we’ve ever seen. Here is how the chips fell:
- 1st Place: Richard Goodall (Singer)
- 2nd Place: Roni Sagi & Rhythm (Dog Act)
- 3rd Place: Sky Elements (Drone Precision Group)
- 4th Place: Solange Kardinaly (Quick Change Artist)
- 5th Place: Learnmore Jonasi (Comedian)
It’s kinda wild to think that a drone group and a quick-change artist—acts that require massive teams and high-end tech—were beaten by a guy with a microphone and a dream. But that’s the AGT magic, right?
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A Wedding, a Million Dollars, and a Washer-Dryer
Most people don't realize that Richard’s week was even crazier than the TV show made it look. Just six days before he was crowned the winner on September 24, 2024, he actually got married. He and his wife, Angie Vanoven, tied the knot in Malibu. Talk about a high-stakes week.
When asked what they were going to do with the money, his wife had the most relatable answer ever. She wanted a house and a new washer and dryer.
Richard’s journey wasn't just a solo mission. He’s been very open about the fact that he almost didn't go through with the audition because he was terrified. He’d never been west of Missouri. He’d never been on a plane. He was just a guy who liked to sing to his students to make them smile.
What happened to the other finalists?
The "Bottom 5" of the Top 10 included some heavy hitters that many people expected to do better:
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- AIRFOOTWORKS: The Japanese dance group that left everyone's jaws on the floor.
- Brent Street: The Australian dance crew that brought incredible energy.
- Dee Dee Simon: A powerhouse singer who many thought was Richard’s biggest threat.
- Hakuna Matata Acrobats: A group that defied physics every time they performed.
- Sebastian & Sonia: The aerial duo who showed incredible resilience after Sonia suffered an injury earlier in the season.
The Journey After the Confetti
Since winning, Richard hasn't disappeared into the Hollywood void. He actually released his debut single, "Long Time Coming," in August 2025. He even returned to the AGT stage during the Season 20 finale to perform it.
He did go back to his janitor job for a little bit. He wanted to see the kids. He wanted to finish things right. But let’s be honest, when you’ve performed "Faithfully" alongside members of Journey and Neal Schon, your life is never going to be "normal" again.
The lesson here? AGT Season 19 proved that the "American Dream" trope isn't dead yet. People are still suckers for a genuine story and a voice that can hit those 80s rock high notes.
If you're looking to follow in Richard's footsteps or just want to keep up with what he's doing now, his story is a reminder that it's literally never too late to take a "small chance." He’s currently focusing on his music and life with Angie, proving that the $1 million was just the cherry on top of a life that had already changed the moment he stepped onto that audition stage.
To see what Richard is up to now, you can follow his official social media channels or check out his latest music on streaming platforms. His transition from school hallways to center stage is officially one for the history books.