Richard Goodall Wins “America’s Got Talent” Season 19

“America's Got Talent” (AGT) crowned its latest champion as Richard Goodall, a singer from Indiana, emerged victorious in the show’s grand finale. The decision was announced on the live broadcast of the season 19 finale, where Goodall triumphed over nine other finalists to claim the coveted top prize.

Goodall, known for his signature paperboy hat, began his journey on the competition with an emotional rendition of Journey‘s “Don’t Stop Believin’.” He continued to impress the judges and viewers with performances of Michael Bolton’s and Survivor’s hits throughout the season, ultimately securing his win over the Israeli dog act duo Roni Sagi & Rhythm, who finished in second place.

During the finale, Goodall performed alongside renowned guitarist Neal Schon and members of Journey, singing his audition song one more time with the support of the band. “You are such an amazing man…a big rockstar when you’re behind the microphone!” judge Heidi Klum expressed during the finale.

The lead-up to Goodall’s win included performances and appearances by various high-profile guests, including Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles, entertainer Michael Bublé, and DJ Steve Aoki. The episode also featured a collaborative performance with Detroit Youth Choir and singer Andra Day.

The judging panel, comprised of Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara, and Simon Cowell, was uniformly confident in Goodall’s abilities. “I think you just sang yourself $1 million,” Mandel predicted before the winner was announced.

Goodall, who spent 23 years working within the same school district in Indiana, participated in AGT as a first-time contestant. The experience marked his first journey on an airplane. His journey included moments of personal transformation following the death of his wife, Patty, in 2021. “Music was the bridge again,” Goodall had noted earlier in the season.

As he contemplates his future, Goodall expressed plans to use his $1 million prize to purchase a new home and possibly relocate to Florida to enjoy retirement. “I’m not a fancy person,” Goodall mentioned when discussing his newfound fame and fortune.

With this victory, Goodall joins the roster of talented performers who have previously won “America’s Got Talent,” a competition fostering diverse skills ranging from singing to comedy, acrobatics, and more.