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After a season full of dazzling and passionate performances America’s Got Talent has crowned its winner for season 19.
Warning: Below you will find spoilers for “America’s Got Talent.”
The action-packed final show included performances by Olympic star Simone Biles, Michael Bublé, Neal Schon, members of Journey, Steve Aoki, comedian Gabriel Iglesias and the Magic Mike Live Cast from Las Vegas.
After a public vote, 55-year-old middle school janitor Richard Goodall took home the $1 million prize after his moving performance of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin'” with members of the rock band.
The moment he was crowned the winner, golden confetti fell around Goodall and judge Heidi Klum, who pressed her golden buzzer for the singer, ran onto the stage to hug the winner.
“As Simon (Cowell) says, two minutes can change your life. My life has changed!” said Goodall, before turning to his new wife: “Ange, I did it.”
Cowell then joined the singer on stage and the two hugged.
Journey’s lead guitarist Neal Schon praised the singer for his breathtaking performance.
“We’ve been touring for six months, but I’ve been watching this phenomenon,” Schon said. “He’s an incredible singer, an incredible man, and I’m proud to be here for him today.”
Goodall, meanwhile, said he never imagined he would be performing with his heroes.
“Someone just pinch me,” he said.
Speaking to Deadline after his win, Goodall told the publication that he had “no expectations” for the competition and was pleasantly surprised by his victory.
“I went into every single part of the show with no expectations,” he said. “I just went out there and left it all on the stage. I sang a song and whatever happens, happens. I just went out there every time and had fun and soaked up everything I learned here on the show.”
Goodall, who is from Terre Haute, Indiana, said his new wife Ange has been his biggest support throughout the process – and she has been with him through the quarterfinals, semifinals and final.
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“She always said, ‘You know, you’re going to make it. If we just pick the right song, you’re going to make it,'” Goodall recalled his wife saying.
“And in every single round, we overcame every hurdle until I was finally crowned the winner. But I think I still don’t fully understand that.”
Goodall said the prize money “will change our lives” and said they plan to buy a “nice little house” and “retire in style.”
The singer added that he hopes his business has inspired other people to never give up on their dreams, as he is America’s Got Talent in 2009, but did not make it.
Elsewhere during the finale, the top 10 contestants returned to the stage for some epic mashups with celebrities and other superstars. Seven-time Olympic gold medalist Biles took the stage in a brown leather outfit. Later, Michael Bublé graced the stage with his song “Love,” while the Detroit Youth Choir performed “High Hopes” by Panic! At The Disco!
