Remember me
Key Points
Richard Goodall won America’s Got Talent season 19.
The former janitor delighted fans with an emotional career announcement on June 26.
Richard also gave a major clue about life beyond his big AGT win.
As new episodes of America’s Got Talent air every Tuesday night, we can’t help but wonder about those who’ve won in years past. In 2024, we met janitor Richard Goodall, who shocked audiences with his incredible singing ability. He became the season 19 champion—but what has he been up to since then?
Richard dropped some major news about his career in an emotional Instagram update. While he previously noted that he would continue working as a janitor in Terre Haute, Indiana, after his win, he revealed that he retired from the school system on June 26. He also got sentimental about what the role has meant to him over the years.
“And that’s it,” he wrote alongside a photo of his keys and his official ID card. “Been through a lot at the Vigo County School Corporation. 4 different schools in 25 years so many children, parents, and grandparents! Thank you all for the memories.”
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See Terry Crews Crash the Judges' Table Over 'AGT' AuditionWhen fans learned of Richard’s latest move, they sent him well-wishes online.
“Congratulations. Happy retirement @richard.goodall. The best of best wishes for you.👏❤️,” one person wrote in the comments. “Big respect for your commitment all these years to your community! 🙌❤️ Now it’s your time!” another exclaimed. “Congrats for the great run! I’m sure you’ll be missed. Happy trails! ❤️,” a different follower added.
Richard previously appeared on the Tell Us About Yourself podcast in January 2025 and spoke about continuing to work as a janitor between singing gigs. At the time, he told host Chris Carrion (per TV Insider) that while he “always wanted to perform,” it was never “a drive of [his] to be famous or be noticed. It's more of a ‘music and people’ thing than a ‘hey, here I am, notice me type thing.’”
But retiring from his daytime job isn’t the only thing Richard has going on lately.
As Deadline reported on June 24, Richard’s story, from janitor to singer, is being adapted into a movie by the production companies Everard Entertainment and Mad Chance.
“Richard Goodall’s unbelievable journey from sweeping hallways to the center of television’s biggest stage is the epitome of the American dream,” said film producer Ben Everard in an official statement to the outlet. “Like the millions worldwide, I was captivated the moment he stepped foot on that audition stage. Bringing his journey to the silver screen is an honor we take seriously.”
Congrats, Richard!
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