Richard Goodall’s transformation from humble janitor to Golden Buzzer sensation on America’s Got Talent is a story of hope and determination

2024 marks the 19th round of electrifying and unforgettable Acts that are all competing for a coveted grand prize. And this season is bound to be the best yet, throwing in exciting new twists that gives the coveted Golden Buzzer even more power. Read on to find out the Season 19 rules, major shakeups introduced during Live Shows, and the season’s schedule so you know exactly how AGT will work.

How does America’s Got Talent 2024 work?

AGT Season 19 is broken down into four rounds: Auditions, Live Quarterfinals, Live Semifinals, and a two-week Finale event. This year there were eight different two-hour Audition episodes, which began airing on Tuesday, May 28 at 8/7c. Following an Act’s performance they had to earn at least three “Yes” votes from the Judges (Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, and Sofia Vergara) so they could avoid elimination in order to be considered for the Live Shows.

If an Act received more than one red X vote, they were eliminated. And if a Judge awarded an Act with a Golden Buzzer, they were automatically sent directly to Lives. The Top 44 Acts competing in the Quarterfinals were then revealed.

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Richard Goodall

One of the fan-favorite contestants on America’s Got Talent season 19, Richard Goodall, is a middle school janitor who won a Golden Buzzer from Heidi Klum on the show. Goodall performed Michael Bolton’s How Am I Supposed To Love With You for this quarter-final performance.

He dedicated the song to his fiancee, Angie, who enjoyed his performance with the audience.

How is this time different than your audition?

Angie is with me this time. The first time I was completely alone because we couldn’t afford to buy her a plane ticket. It’s expensive out here. So, it’s easier with her being here with me but I’m just taking it as I can. I’m just concentrating on the show, not concentrating on me, and we’ll see what happens this round. If I don’t make it into the next round, I’ve already won. How many people in my area can say that they’ve done the things that Angie and I just did.

We took one of those bus tours around Hollywood and Beverly Hills and all that. It’s amazing to see all that stuff. Iconic. Multiple times I looked over at Angie while we’re seeing all this stuff and I said, “Just pinch me. I can’t believe that I’m here that we’re looking at all this.” It’s all very surreal. We’re taking it all in as we go. It’s been very, very special.

I read an interview where you said that if you won the $1 million, your dream is to get a Double-Wide Mobile Home and move to Florida. When you came on AGT and you began to sing, I thought, “Wow! This is as astonishing as Susan Boyle.” And she went on to have people invite her to do concerts all over the world. So, while you’re living in your double wide, would you still want to go around and perform? What is the dream

Speaking to that, a lot of British people have been doing the comparison. If you dig a little deeper into Susan, she’s still in her same house. She redid her house but she’s still in the same house and, yes, she’s made quite a big name for herself and she’s worth money, but she still has stayed true to herself. I’m along those lines. My Angie wants a little bit better than a double wide, so we’ll see how that works out. Last time with the [first] video, I had no expectations that time and I have no expectations this time. There’s absolutely no way I can top what I’ve already done. All I can do is go in there and give the best performance I can and that’s what I intend to do.

In addition to winning $1 million, the winner gets to headline a Las Vegas show. Are you ready to do that?

I believe so. Like I said, the music team is pulling stuff out of my backside I never thought that I could do. With the understanding that I’m not a professional — what you’ve seen in the videos is what you get. Just a few months ago, I was just Mr. Richard, treating the floors, changing the light bulbs, and now it’s kind of different. I’m still at the school and all that, but it’s kind of different.

Are people already asking you to do gigs? I don’t know contractually if you’re allowed to do that yet. Have you heard from any music industry people?

Neal Schon [the last original member of Journey] and his wife reached out to tell me how great they thought I sounded and said we may be seeing each other soon.

I had a band in my hometown, and I was doing gigs during all that time and doing a lot of selfies with people. My hometown, I can’t even walk through Walmart now, but no, nobody’s reached out. I’m concentrating on the show right now and they’re concentrating on me, so I’m good with all that. Then after the show’s over whatever happens, happens but I don’t have any expectations. I’m just taking things as they come. It is a roller coaster.