America’s Got Talent crowns fan favorite “singing janitor” Richard Goodall as 2024 winner
Season 19 of America’s Got Talent concluded with a heartfelt victory: Richard Goodall, widely known as the “singing janitor,” was announced as the 2024 winner during the live finale on Tuesday, September 24. Goodall’s rise on the show became a standout story of the season, winning over viewers with his unpretentious stage presence, powerful vocals and genuine emotional connection to every song he performed. For his win he received the show’s $1 million grand prize.
Goodall’s performances have resonated far beyond the television audience — clips from his appearances have accumulated more than 130 million views across social platforms, underlining how a simple, honest performance can capture broad public attention. Throughout the competition he remained true to his voice and style, delivering classic rock and soul-inflected covers that showcased both range and feeling.
His audition remains one of the most memorable moments of the season. Performing Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’,” Goodall delivered a rousing, 80s power-rock rendition that earned him a Golden Buzzer from judge Heidi Klum. That moment propelled him directly into the live rounds and marked the beginning of a steady climb through the competition. In the qualifiers he offered an emotionally charged interpretation of Michael Bolton’s “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You,” which brought a standing ovation from the judges and reinforced his reputation as a performer who connects deeply with listeners.
Goodall continued to impress in the semifinals with a dynamic version of Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger,” securing his place in the finals. For the season finale he delivered a soulful take on Journey’s “Faithfully,” sharing the stage with Journey guitarist Neal Schon and members of the band, which made for a particularly poignant and career-defining moment. That collaboration highlighted the respect he earned from established artists and made his final performance a centerpiece of the broadcast.
Judges and hosts praised his journey and performances throughout the finale. Heidi Klum told him she had been his biggest fan since their first encounter and expressed how much she wanted him to win. Howie Mandel remarked that Goodall had effectively “sung himself $1 million,” while Simon Cowell called him a needed hero for audiences, highlighting the uplifting and inspiring nature of his story on the show.
Goodall recently married the love of his life
Outside the competition, Goodall’s personal life also saw joyful developments. On September 18 he shared that he and his partner Angie had married, posting a photo of their hands with wedding bands and announcing that they were now Richard and Angela VanGoodall. Angie Vanoven stood by him during his AGT run, supporting him through each stage of the competition.
A native of Indianapolis who grew up in Terre Haute from age five, Goodall has long balanced music with everyday responsibilities. He has performed in school settings where he works, in church, and with bands over the years. He often describes himself as a raw, unpolished performer who prefers authenticity to perfection — an approach that has endeared him to audiences and set him apart from more theatrical acts. His experience on national television has been transformative; as he said after winning, the exposure and opportunity have changed his life and given him a platform he hopes to use to help others “one song at a time.”
Richard Goodall’s win on America’s Got Talent is a reminder that while talent contests celebrate variety and spectacle, they also create space for sincere, relatable performers to connect with viewers. His journey — from local performer and school employee to national stage and $1 million prize winner — underscores the show’s role as a launching point for artists who resonate with the public through honesty, passion and an unmistakable voice.