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'Somebody pinch me' | Indiana's Richard Goodall wins 'America's Got Talent'

The "Singing Janitor" of West Vigo Middle School won $1 million and the title of Season 19 champion.

INDIANAPOLIS — Richard Goodall's "America's Got Talent" journey culminated Tuesday night with a million-dollar prize.

The school custodian from Terre Haute, known as the "Singing Janitor," was crowned champion of Season 19 of the NBC show at the end of a two-hour finale. 

“Winning ‘AGT’ is important and means so much to me. Simon said two minutes can change your life. It has transformed mine, and I’d like to help others, one song at a time,” Goodall said after the show.

As part of Tuesday's show, Goodall returned to his roots and performed Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'," which he sang for his audition on the show, earning a Golden Buzzer from judge Heidi Klum. This time, however, he was accompanied by Journey guitarist Neal Schon and members of the band. 

Richard Goodall Sings "Don't Stop Believing" w. Neal Schon & Members of Journey | Finale | AGT 2024

Indiana's Richard Goodall just crushed "Don't Stop Believin'" with Neal Schon and members of Journey on "America's Got Talent!" Tune in to Channel 13 now to see if he wins the $1 million top prize!

Posted by WTHR-TV on Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Schon said the group had been following Goodall's progress on the show while out on tour.

"He's an amazing singer," Schon said. "I'm proud to be here today for him."

"Somebody pinch me. Just pinch me," Goodall said.

It was the culmination of an amazing week in Los Angeles for the janitor at West Vigo Middle School, whose performance at a school talent show went viral on TikTok, earning him his audition.

After performing in last Tuesday's finals, Goodall married his fiancée, Angie Vanoven. 

While the fan votes were being tallied from Tuesday's show, views of Goodall's performance of Journey's "Faithfully" skyrocketed online. As the Sept. 24 finale got underway, nearly 2.5 million people had watched his performance on the "America's Got Talent" YouTube page. 

In addition to the pair of Journey hits, Goodall also sang Michael Bolton's "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You?" and "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor during his run to the "America's Got Talent" championship.

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