America’s Got Talent has launched many careers, and Richard Goodall’s is no exception. The high school janitor’s powerful voice earned him the coveted title and a $1 million prize in 2024. The win raised Richard Goodall’s net worth and opened doors to new opportunities, but he still remains grounded in his roots. /
Richard Goodall performs at the AGT’s finals, and Richard and Angie Vanoven attend the AGT’s Season 19 Quarterfinals 1 Red Carpet. Photo: Trae Patton, Amanda Edwards (modified by author) Source: Getty Ima
Richard Goodall is an American singer and janitor. He rose to fame after winning America’s Got Talent season 19 in 2024. Richard was the first singer in five years to win the show. He received a golden buzzer in the first round from Heidi Klum after performing his rendition of Don’t Stop Believin by Journey. /
Richard Goodall’s profile summary Full name Richard Goodall Nickname Richard Gender Male Date of birth 1969 Place of birth Indianapolis, Indiana, USA Current residence Terre Haute, Indiana, USA Nationality American Ethnicity Caucasian-White Religion Christianity Sexual orientation Straight Height in feet 6′ 1” Height in centimetres 183 Hair colour Brown Eye colour Brown Relationship status Married Partner Angie Vanoven Profession American singer and janitor Famous for Winning AGT in 2024
Richard Goodall’s net worth and AGT win
What is Richard Goodall’s net worth? Unfortunately, he hasn’t revealed his worth before and after winning the America’s Got Talent show. However, the $1 million prize boosted his net worth and widened his money-making ventures.
As Yahoo Entertainment shared, when a contestant wins $1 million, it’s not the actual prize they take home. If a winner takes the cash in its full entirety, also known as present cash value, they take home $300,000 after breaking it down to pay taxes.
Alternatively, the winner can opt to split receiving the cash payout over 40 years. With this option, the individual receives $25,000 annually before taxes. While the sum doesn’t seem as much as the prize, winners can make much more money after winning the show.
Richard Goodall’s career and sources of income
Richard is a janitor who worked at West Vigo High School in Terre Haute for 23 years. At work, he was often heard singing in the halls. He grew up singing along to his RadioShack stereo and jumping on karaoke stages whenever he got the chance.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Richard performed in two gospel trios. In 2021, when his wife succumbed to cancer, he used music as the bridge. Music helped him figure out who he was without his significant other.
In 2022, he went viral for his rendition of Don’t Stop Believin, which he performed at his students’ graduation ceremony. The video was shared on TikTok and garnered over three million views. Journey’s former frontman, Steve Perry, also sent him a supportive message.
Richard Goodall on America’s Got Talent
After years of students and staff commending his voice, Richard eventually started believing them. He then boarded a plane for the first time to audition for the America’s Got Talent competition show in 2024.
His audition aired on May 28, 2024, and once again, he performed Don’t Stop Believin, leaving the judges and audience awestruck by his rendition. One of the most critical judges, Judge Simon Cowell, called him his ‘hero,’ while Judge Heidi Klum awarded him the Golden Buzzer, which directly sent him to the live shows.
Throughout the competition, his performances were nothing short of amazing. Richard Goodall’s songs at America’s Got Talent were;
Quarterfinals – He performed How Am I Supposed to Live Without You by Michael Bolton. He dedicated the performance to his wife, Angela Vanoven.
Semifinals – He sang Eye of the Tiger by Singing Survivor. His energy and passion during the performance earned him a final spot. F
inals – He performed Faithfully by Journey. Finale – Goodall sang his all-time favourite, Don’t Stop Believin by Journey. He performed alongside Neal Schon and other members of Journey.
On September 24, 2024, he was announced the winner of America’s Got Talent season 19. He was the first singer in five years to win the title and $1 million prize. He also headlined a show in Las Vegas, Nevada.
What does Richard Goodall do now?
He is still working as a janitor at West Vigo High School. He stated:
I’m still at the school, but things are going on behind the scenes, you know, some concerts are popping up. A lot of amazing things are just popping up, and so I’ll continue to work at the school until, you know, I can’t anymore.
After winning the AGT, the school hosted a pep rally in his honour. Although he is happy with his work at the school, his performance calendar looks amazing. For instance, he brought the house down after singing the national anthem at an Indiana Pacers game and another at Illinois State University.
Richard Goodall with Members of Journey Neal Schon, Deen Castronovo, and Todd Jensen during the AGT’s Finale result. Photo: Trae Patton Source: Getty Images
In addition, Richard will be opening for Judge Howie Mandel in an upcoming show. He will perform his first full concert in Pittsburg’s Palace Theatre in January 2025.
Richard Goodall’s house
Where does Richard Goodall live? Unfortunately, he hasn’t shared details about his residence or properties in his name. In an interview with GoldDerby, Richard revealed his intention to use some of the AGT prize money to buy a home. He also hoped to rent an RV and tour different places with his wife.