Entertainment

'America's Got Talent' 2024 Winner: Indiana's 'Singing Janitor' Shocks Everyone

2024-09-25

"America's Got Talent" has just crowned its new champion in a thrilling finale that left audiences buzzing!

Richard Goodall, affectionately dubbed the "singing janitor" from Indiana, won the prestigious title with a heartfelt performance of Journey's timeless hit, "Don't Stop Believin.'" This powerful rendition went viral after his audition, and it’s safe to say that America fell in love with his charm and vocal talent.

Goodall clinched Heidi Klum's coveted Golden Buzzer and outshined nine other exceptional finalists, including the astonishing Hakuna Matata Acrobats from Tanzania and the hilarious Zimbabwean comedian Learnmore Jonasi. The nail-biting finale came down to Goodall and a spectacular dog act featuring Roni Sagi and Rhythm, marking a true showdown in talent.

In a moment fans had eagerly anticipated, Goodall jammed on stage with Neal Schon, the lead guitarist of Journey, to perform their iconic hit. As the climax of the night, the duo's performance of "Don't Stop Believin'" had the crowd on their feet, celebrating Goodall’s journey from a humble janitor to a superstar.

Throughout the season, the talents of this powerhouse singer captivated America, with noteworthy performances of Michael Bolton's "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You," Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger," and Journey's soul-stirring "Faithfully."

The excitement of the evening was amplified by special appearances from sports superstar Simone Biles and celebrated entertainers like Michael Bublé, Steve Aoki, Gabriel Iglesias, and Andra Day. Their presence added an unforgettable layer to an already exhilarating event.

The judges—Klum, Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, and Sofía Vergara—cheered Goodall on from the start, and their joy was palpable when he won. Klum praised him for his humility and talent, saying, “You are a big rockstar! ... I want you to win this so bad, Richard.” Cowell echoed the sentiment, declaring him “our hero,” and Mandel confidently predicted he’d just “sang himself $1 million.”

Goodall's journey on "AGT" is not just about singing; it’s also a touching story of resilience. After losing his wife Patty to cancer in 2021, music became his lifeline. “When you’re married for so long, you have to find yourself again, and music was that bridge for me,” he shared in a heartfelt interview.

Just days before the finale, Goodall tied the knot with his fiancée, Angie Vanoven, making the victory even more emotional for the family-oriented star.

In a surprising twist, this isn’t the first time Goodall captured hearts online. He first went viral in 2022 with his rendition of "Don't Stop Believin'" at a graduation ceremony, earning accolades, including praise from former Journey frontman Steve Perry.

Looking ahead, Goodall has plans for his $1 million prize. He aims to buy a double-wide trailer and retire to a senior living community in Florida, where he can relax and enjoy simple pleasures like pasta and seafood. “I’m not a fancy person,” he admitted, reminding us all that true happiness is found in life’s simple joys.

As the dust settles from an unforgettable season, excitement builds for what’s next. The complete list of finalists included: - Roni Sagi & Rhythm (dancer and dancing dog) - Sky Elements (aerial drone performers) - Learnmore Jonasi (stand-up comedy) - Solange Kardinaly (quick-change magician) - Brent Street (dance group) - Richard Goodall (the singing janitor) - Hakuna Matata Acrobats (amazing acrobatics) - AIRFOOTWORKS (dynamic dance group) - Dee Dee Simon (vocalist) - Sebastian and Sonia (talented aerialists)