Tuesday night’s finale episode of “America’s Got Talent” was “pinch me” moment after “pinch me” moment for Terre Haute’s Richard Goodall.
That the school janitor made it to the final rounds of the competition seemed to surprise him continuously — although it didn’t surprise his legions of fans who voted him through Season 19. Then, he got to reprise his Golden Buzzer-earning audition by performing “Don’t Stop Believin'” alongside members of Journey, including the band’s founding guitarist, Neal Schon.
Then, host Terry Crews announced Goodall had made the Top 5. Then the Top 2.
And then, after a journey that started in the spring and ended with a three-hour episode, Goodall was crowned the winner.
Goodall, who was visibly overcome by emotions, addressed the crowd only briefly, finishing with a triumphant call to his newlywed wife: “Angie, I did it!”
Watch the moment Richard Goodall wins Season 19 of America’s Got Talent
Who were the Top 5 finalists in Season 19 of AGT?
In no particular order, the final five finalists were:
Sky Elements (aerial drones)
Learnmore Jonasi (stand-up comedian)
Richard Goodall (singer)
Solange Kardinaly (quick-change magician)
Roni Sagi & Rhythm (dancer and dancing dog)
More: Watch all of Richard Goodall’s stunning ‘America’s Got Talent’ performances
How does the AGT $1 million prize work?
Winners don’t actually take home a $1 million check. Multiple outlets have pointed to an NBC disclaimer that notes: “The prize, which totals $1,000,000, is payable in a financial annuity over forty years, or the contestant may choose to receive the present cash value of such annuity.”
In 2016, Forbes reported that that disclaimer allows AGT to pay only $25,000 a year for 40 years, and that that amount represents a pre-tax payment. Forbes also reported that the second part of the disclaimer actually allows them to pay even less, should the winner choose that option. A smaller lump sum of money — “the present cash value of such annuity” — would amount to a few hundred thousand dollars, not a full $1 million.If Goodall, who turns 55 in October, chooses the annuity plan, he will be nearly 95 when payments are complete.
Want to see more Hoosiers on TV?
Looking for a new reality competition fix now that AGT is over? Another Hoosier, Dennis Cho of Indianapolis, is getting ready to compete on CBS’ new reality series “The Summit,” which challenges 16 unexperienced climbers to traverse mountainous terrain in New Zealand for a chance to win $1 million. A sneak peek of the show premieres Sept. 29 at 9 p.m. ET.
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