Richard Goodall, a 55-year-old school janitor from Indiana, saw his wildest dreams come true in the grand finale of America’s Got Talent (AGT) season 19. After winning the competition, he performed Journey’s iconic anthem, “Don’t Stop Believin’,” alongside the legendary band during a powerful and unforgettable moment on the show’s Sept. 24 episode.
Goodall had initially wowed AGT audiences during his audition with the same song, a track that has defined generations since its release in 1981. His journey came full circle when he took the stage once more, this time sharing the spotlight with Journey’s lead guitarist Neal Schon, the band’s last remaining original member.
“We’ve been on tour for the last six months, but I’ve been watching this phenomenon unfold,” said Schon. “Richard is an amazing singer and an incredible person, and I’m honored to be here with him today.” The duo delivered a heartwarming rendition of “Don’t Stop Believin’,” while the show’s judges and audience members sang along to every word.
Judge Howie Mandel, visibly moved by the moment, shared a clip of the performance on social media, writing, “A janitor named Richard Goodall auditioned for AGT with ‘Don’t Stop Believin’.’ Now, he’s performing it with Journey at the finale. Dreams really do come true!”
Goodall’s journey to victory was marked by one of the season’s most memorable moments when judge Heidi Klum awarded him the Golden Buzzer, catapulting him to the final rounds. Reflecting on his win, Goodall told PEOPLE magazine, “My brain is just absolutely mush at this point. Surreal doesn’t even begin to describe what’s happened. This has been an emotional rollercoaster, and now it’s ended with golden dust flying everywhere.”
In addition to the $1 million grand prize, Goodall had another reason to celebrate. During the finale, he revealed he had recently married his partner, Ang, making his AGT journey even more remarkable. “This experience has changed everything for us,” Goodall said, adding that he and his wife plan to invest the prize money, buy a home, and explore new opportunities together.
The AGT finale wasn’t short on star power, with special guest performances by Simone Biles, Michael Bublé, Steve Aoki, Gabriel Iglesias, and the Detroit Youth Choir, among others. But it was Goodall’s story that captivated the nation. “America has fallen in love with him,” said Klum. “He’s going home as a hero, and I know his life will never be the same.”
Despite his newfound fame, Goodall has no immediate plans to give up his day job as a janitor at Chauncey Rose Middle School. “I’m going back to work, at least for a little while,” he shared with PEOPLE. “Then we’ll see what opportunities come our way, and Angie and I will make those decisions together.”
As the AGT season wrapped up, one thing was clear: Goodall’s story of humble beginnings and extraordinary talent serves as a reminder that dreams can indeed become reality—especially when you don’t stop believing.
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