INDIANAPOLIS — It's no surprise who Hoosiers wanted to win the 19th season of "America's Got Talent" — and the majority of voters from across the country agreed!
"It's just amazing. I'm in awe. The one word that I continue to use in all the interviews is surreal, and it encompasses everything that's been going on. It's just been absolutely amazing," Richard Goodall told 13News a little more than 12 hours after winning "AGT" and $1 million.
The "singing janitor" from Terre Haute, Indiana, was crowned champion of the talent competition show at the end of the two-hour finale Tuesday, Sept. 24.
Goodall won over the hearts of America with his singing abilities and humbleness, which he credits to the work he does as a janitor West Vigo Middle School.
"I'm just like anybody else. I probably do one of the most humblest jobs there is," Goodall said. "When you're a janitor, a lot of people, not necessarily take you for granted, but you're the person that's there behind the scenes that makes sure everything gets done that needs to be done."
Goodall said celebrations at his school are likely happening Friday, Sept. 27.
As for what's next in the bigger picture for Goodall, that's still to be decided by him and his new wife, Angie Vanoven, whom he married days before the "AGT" finale.
"We're really just waiting to see what happens after the show, any offers that come our way," Goodall said. "We've spotted our eye on a house in Terre Haute. And then, the sky's the limit after the show."
All four judges – Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel and Sofia Vergara – seemed to truly be rooting for Goodall all season long.
"The judges have always been supportive. Simon may have had a minor criticism about the second song, but I knew going from 'Don't Stop Believin' in my audition into another song, that it was gonna be tough. There's no way I could've topped my initial audition," Goodall said. "The people in the U.K. were saying I was America's Susan Boyle."
As for the views on his audition? More than 25 million on YouTube.
And in true Richard Goodall fashion, he also thanked the behind-the-scenes crew of "America's Got Talent."
"The people behind the scenes have been so amazing to me also. They have so much wisdom and information to give, and I just tried to be a sponge and soak it all in," Goodall said. "Just like me at the school, they're the ones that make the magic happen. I connected with them just as much as the judges, if not more."
The whole journey started in 2022 after Goodall's performance at a school talent show caught the attention of former Journey frontman Steve Perry and Mandel on TikTok.
"Howie, he posted me on his TikTok, and it said, 'Needs to be on AGT,'" Goodall said.
Goodall filmed his now-viral audition in March, earning a golden buzzer from Klum for his performance of "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey, sending him directly to the live shows.
And arguably almost as exciting as winning $1 million was Goodall's opportunity to perform with Neal Schon and members of Journey during the finale.
"They sent a message and said they were flying in from Chile, their last concert. I knew that they had very minimal sleep, and they just come out there, and Deen Castronovo, the drummer, had the rest of the band sign his drumsticks, and he handed the drumsticks over to me," Goodall said. "That was the cherry on top of the 'AGT' cake for me. It was just absolutely wild. You can probably only count on one hand how many people have gotten to sing with the band Journey."
Being the feel-good story of the season, Goodall has inspiring advice on chasing your dreams.
"The song 'Don't Stop Believin' encompasses where I came from. If you don't stop believing, if you put yourself out there, the possibilities are endless," Goodall said. "Take a chance, take that risk and go for it. If you put yourself out of your comfort zone for just a minute, you'll see the risk is worth the reward."