"Glorified karaoke singer"— America's Got Talent fans divided over Richard Goodall's season 19 win

The finale results for America's Got Talent season 19 came out in episode 21, released on September 24. The episode saw 10 finalists vying for the $1 million prize money and the title of America's next superstar.

Among these 10, six were acts that advanced to the finals from the semi-finals, while four were Golden Buzzer-winning acts that directly progressed to the finals after earning the coveted buzzer in the quarter-finals.

Richard Goodall, a 55-year-old janitor and a passionate karaoke singer from Terre Haute, left all the acts behind as he emerged victorious as the season 19 winner. For his final performance, Richard sang Don't Stop Believing by Journey, alongside Neal Schon and other members of the popular band.

Fans of America's Got Talent took to X to comment on Richard's finale win. Some think he deserved it while others thought he won only because people sympathized with his journey.

"Worst finale in quite sometime. Prerecorded for apparently no reason and we had to wait a week - all to see a glorified karaoke singer win. I like Richard as a person and think he has a unique voice but come on," one fan said.

"For his sake, it's cool that Richard Goodall won. Seems like a good guy and it's hugely life-changing for a guy who works as a janitor. Nice to see lives transformed and dreams come true. But... He's a 2nd-3rd tier cover singer which is not a pay-to-see Vegas act," said another.

"To our newest winner: Richard is a bad winner. Shouldn't have won. Rode a flimsy sob story to the title and more power to him. We have a singer (cover nonetheless) in the winner circle for the first time in 5 years. A drought I didn't think was possible," a third fan said.

"Goodbye to this show. Sob story over talent should not win. Richard is horrible," wrote another fan.

Many other America's Got Talent fans who were happy with his win, cheered for him and congratulated him on winning season 19.

"Some people may not agree with me, but I believe Richard Goodall truly deserved to win @AGT. He is so humble and so kind. It’s very rare in a reality show winner these days. Congratulations, Richard!" an X user wrote.

"Richard Goodall is from Terre Haute (my hometown) and he has made us SO proud! It’s wonderful to see him win #AGT! Well done, Richard!! You are a golden star!" another X user wrote.

"People just hate it that a janitor a bottom of the totem pole job won the biggest talent competition in the world. Congratulations Richard," a comment read.

"FINALLY, a winner I wanted!!!!! Richard, you did the Midwest proud!!!!" read another comment.

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Richard Goodall on America's Got Talent season 19 finale

Richard got a standing ovation from all four judges and the audience members as they cheered for him after he sang Don't Stop Believing alongside the popular band Journey on America's Got Talent season finale.

After their America's Got Talent performance, Terry asked Neil if he had been following Richard's journey on the show so far. Neil said he had been on a tour for the past 6 months and was watching Richard sing. He added that he thought he was a great singer and a great man and was proud to be there for him.

Terry then revealed that Richard had gotten married that very week and asked Richard how he felt. He said she was the love of his life and that he loved her very much. Heidi said she was happy to see them together and also see him perform live with the band.

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For more updates on Richard's life, fans of America's Got Talent can follow the star on Instagram @richard.goodall.