America’s Got Talent Winner Richard Goodall Talks Fame Following Victory, And Being Called ‘America’s Susan Boyle’

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Looking forward to the upcoming Season 20 premiere of America’s Got Talent, though it’s not airing until 2025, we’re still buzzing with excitement following a fantastic Season 19. Last season’s competition series introduced us to Richard Goodall, the “singing janitor,” who was declared the winner in September. In an interview with TopMob, Goodall shared his experiences since going viral and embracing his new title as America’s Susan Boyle.

Richard Goodall was one of our favorites on the show, and we had high hopes that he would make it all the way through America’s Got Talent last year. I recently had a conversation with Goodall where we touched upon several topics, such as the sadness caused by the recent LA wildfires and their effect on AGT auditions. During our chat, I asked the gifted singer what he would have liked to express if chosen by the audience during the finale. Goodall admitted that he did his best in the moment, but this is what he wishes he could have said:

The level of backing I received took me completely by surprise. To be honest, I didn’t think anyone would fly out for my audition since we lacked the funds for my friend Ang to join me in California. Thus, when the audition was recorded two months before it was aired, I was on my own. Since only I knew what was happening at that time, nobody else did. However, once it was broadcast across the nation, my life changed dramatically. Instead of being able to move around freely, I now have to stop every few steps at our local Walmart because people recognize me.

Approximately a year ago, Richard Goodall embarked on his inaugural airplane trip from Indiana to California for an audition. Back then, he harbored no dreams of becoming Season 19’s champion, yet he successfully achieved that feat. Now, Goodall is widely recognized, frequently approached due to his captivating performance on the show. He further shared:

The response has significant impact, encompassing a variety of messages, interestingly enough, it’s not limited to the United States alone. It extends across the globe. I’ve received messages from various regions, even the U.K., where people have compared me to Susan Boyle, an American success story. They’ve reached out saying they felt they had given up and then saw me perform, inspiring them to try again or restart their endeavors. This means a great deal to me because in today’s world, I believe people are searching for hope, something to hold onto, a reminder that there’s still a chance for anything.

As a passionate film enthusiast, let me share with you an insightful piece I learned from Richard Goodall. After his remarkable victory, he expressed a feeling that there’s space for ordinary people like us to shine – and in my encounters with fans, I can see that he’s given many more individuals the courage to step out and express their skills, regardless of who they are. Can you imagine the exhilaration of potentially inspiring someone to rekindle a hobby or talent simply by making them feel recognized? Catch Goodall’s journey in the video below for a deeper understanding of his incredible journey.

Moreover, just as the artist himself expressed, the outpouring of support has been so immense that it’s not only Americans who are expressing their admiration for him. In fact, some individuals in the U.K. have drawn comparisons between him and Susan Boyle, a contestant on Britain’s Got Talent, who went on to sell 25 million records after her viral performance with Simon Cowell and the judging panel. During his reflection on America’s Got Talent, Goodall also remarked:

Music has always been my comfort zone, but did I believe I was the best and had unshakable confidence? Definitely not… Nor did I imagine that a renowned German supermodel would approach me, showering me with gold glitter. Not at all. My plan was simply to perform a song, return home, and share a pleasant YouTube video as a keepsake. If someone questioned my participation in the show, I could provide proof. I never fathomed that everything that unfolded would happen. Never, not even once in a million chances.

Richard Goodall seems incredibly humble and thankful for his time on America’s Got Talent. Known for his stunning performances of “Don’t Stop Believin'”, “Faithfully”, and “Eye of the Tiger” during the show, he has been busy booking gigs across the country since his victory. Right now, he’s also working on creating his own music. His inspiring tale is definitely worth revisiting, and you can do so by streaming episodes of AGT with a Peacock subscription.

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2025-01-20 00:37