Terre Haute’s singing janitor, Richard Goodall, reflected on the biggest year of his life and what’s to come in 2025.

“Without question, the biggest year of my life,” Richard Goodall, Winner of America’s Got Talent (AGT) 2024 said when reflecting on the year. “Everything in life happens for a reason. There’s no rhyme or reason why this is my year. It was just my time, I guess,” he added.

“When I flew out there, I didn’t have any expectations of this being my time. It was a free trip and I was just going to go out there and just show what I got and fly back home with my tail between my legs,” he said. “And little did I know,” he said with a chuckle, “I got all of this that happened. It’s very surreal, it still is,” he added.

How has getting the award changed Goodall’s life?

“Getting that award has changed my life, yes, but I’m still the same person. I’m still grounded.”

Goodall says the people around him keep him grounded. Reminding him who he is.

“I have people that keep me level-headed too. And still working at the school, taking out the trash and wiping down the tables, that keeps you grounded too,” he said. “I’m still working at the school. The kids still see me Monday through Friday,” he laughed insinuating that the students are no longer starstruck.

“I’m just Mr. Richard to them,” he chuckled. “People always ask me if I’m staying at the school, and it’s not an easy question to answer, because I’ve been with the corporation for 23, going on 24 years, and I love it.”

He says the answer is never easy, but he hopes to continue working at the corporation for as long as he can.

Goodall said he has a lot currently going on behind the scenes. As he wrapped up the year, he said he opened for Howie Mandel, on Saturday, December 28 at Fantasy Springs in California.

Looking ahead to 2025

Goodall said he and his wife are looking forward to what’s to come in the new year.

“Life is unscripted right now, for Ang and I both. So, you know, flying by the seat of our pants, but in a controlled way. And also learning the craft, the business of music, a lot,” he said. “It’s not going to be a normal year like in years past working Monday through Friday, I’m flying here, flying there, just wild and surreal, all of it,” he said.

“Are there some pretty big things coming up,” he questioned. “Absolutely, yes,” he added.

Goodall said he has two concerts scheduled in January: one in Ohio and the other in Pennsylvania. Plus, three Indiana concerts are scheduled for April.

“The first one’s in Anderson, the second one’s in Wabash, and the third one is in Lafayette. And those are April, 17, 18, 19,” he said noting that anyone interested in attending can follow his official Facebook page for more information.

In between the scheduled concerts, Goodall says he’s been booking more corporate and private shows.

“And there’s a lot of stuff that the ink isn’t even dry on yet,” He said.

Goodall went on to explain that he’ll be paired up with another contestant from AGT for a few shows this summer and said that he’s still working on putting together a local band, but he has a band out of Vegas that he’ll also tour with.

“At the end of the day, I’m still the same person. Ang and I are still in Terre Haute. We might do the snowbird thing later on, it just depends.”

A message to his fans

“The people who voted for me, thank you,” he said. “This whole thing has been surreal, very wild. But very much appreciated, it’s not wasted on me and I intend to give back.”

Goodall said he is having a lot of fun connecting to many different age groups through music.

“I think that’s what life is all about, is leaving your mark on this world. And it could be at a local level or a national level,” he said while reflecting on 2024. “I’m looking forward to 2025, seeing where we go and what opportunities are going to come our way. It’s very exciting because right now, the sky’s the limit,” he added.