Richard Goodall, a 55-year-old janitor from Terre Haute, Indiana, was crowned the winner of America’s Got Talent (AGT) season 19 on September 24, 2024. Known for his soulful singing, Goodall captivated both the judges and the audience. The prize for the season’s winner was $1 million.
Richard teased that he hopes to leave Indiana – the state which supported him passionately with millions of votes – for a warmer state.
And now look at me. We know we want to get a nice little place either in Terre Haute [Indiana] or in Florida.
“I want to go somewhere warmer. The future, it’s unwritten now, whereas a year ago, I was just the guy that took out the trash and wiped the tables and now possibilities are kind of endless.”
“I foresee myself having a home with the washer and dryer of my very own in it. And I foresee that very soon,” Angela added.
“We have separate homes. We’re going to get a whole different house because I have a tiny apartment and his house isn’t livable. It’s just not okay. It’s just not. That’s all going to change.
“It’s pretty safe to say that he’s going to retire from the school and we’re going to do things that we want to do.
“Life is short, so you got to have fun with it and you got to go out there and grasp your life. You got to live it.”
Richard confirmed that Angela has been the “driving force” for him to try out for AGT, given she was in the midst of a battle for her life thanks to a heart defect.
Richard wanted to care for her, but she encouraged him to pursue his Hollywood dream earlier this year.
Angela revealed how being in medical peril and facing heart surgery was “so sad and scary,”.
“But I knew that he had to do this for him regardless of what happened with me, because I knew he had it in him and it was his chance.
“So I just told him, you’re going to have to do it for both of us, you know, can do it.’
“I can’t come this time, but by the grace of God I’ll be there every time after and here I am. And here we are.”
Just before the final specialists told Angela her operation was a success, which changed both of their attitudes.
“Once I knew I was going to live, I was just like, each day, I am not going to take a day for granted. Never.
“’I’m going to live each day doing what I want to do.”
