america’s got talent
Six months ago, 55-year-old Richard Goodall was a janitor in Terre Haute, Indiana, whose soul-filled vocal talent caught the attention of fans on TikTok. On Tuesday (Sept. 24), Goodall was officially crowned the winner of America’s Got Talent season 19.
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“Being who I am, a janitor for 23 years, now singing songs on TV and singing with Journey. I mean, you can’t make that stuff up,” he tells Billboard of his reaction to the finale, where he performed onstage with the iconic rock band’s guitarist Neal Schon. He took home the trophy over his fellow talented acts, including Roni Sagi & Rhythm, a dog-and-human dance duo; Solange Kardinaly, a magician, Sky Elements, a drone light show and more. “This is beyond surreal. I couldn’t dream up everything that’s happened to me. I mean, there’s a bucket list, and then there’s a bucket list that you didn’t even know existed.”
From his audition, Goodall won America’s heart with his everyday man demeanor and down-to-earth perspective on life. Beyond his lovable personality, judge Heidi Klum was so blown away by Goodall’s effortless vocal ability, that she gave him the coveted Golden Buzzer that sent him straight to the live shows. “She just loved hugging my neck and telling me, ‘Well, what a wonderful job you’re doing’ every single time I’ve seen her. She’s an amazing lady,” Goodall said of the model.
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However, winning AGT is just the cherry on the cake of an exciting week for Goodall, who also married his longtime love Angie just before the finale. “It was long overdue. I had proposed to her a very long time ago, and she had the ring and everything. We’re a little bit older, and we didn’t really need a piece of paper to say that we’re married,” he explains. “The thought had just crossed both our minds at the same time that it was just the time to do it. We didn’t videotape it or anything, just a photographer. So, as far as the show goes, it wasn’t about trying to get votes or anything like that. It was because we both decided that it was time that we did it for real.”
While Goodall is openminded to musical opportunities in the future, he says he’s focused being “smart” about the $1 million prize money and going with the flow of his incredible accomplishment. “[Angie and I] are already talking with a financial advisor, making sure that we’re being smart about all this,” he reveals. “We’re not just two kids that are just flying by the seat of our pants. This popularity, this fame thing is new, but we want to be smart about it, and whatever comes in the near future, we can decide together as adults and as a man and wife and figure out what path we want to take.”
For now, Goodall remains an inspiration to people worldwide who have a dream. “When you see me, I just scream regular person. You could see me standing at the bus stop or going to Ralph’s to pick up your groceries and pick out my groceries. I don’t look like something, you know, that’s extraordinary or supermodel-ish,” he says, before concluding with these words of wisdom: “Nothing is out of reach in this world, but you got to work at it. You gotta put the time in if you want it bad enough. Sky’s the limit.”
America’s Got Talent is paying tribute to former contestant Emily Gold, who died at just 17 years old by suicide.
“The AGT Family sends out our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and team members of Emily Gold. She was a bright young soul and will be deeply missed,” the show’s official X account shared, alongside a photo of the teen smiling and holding up an AGT sign.
The AGT Family sends out our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and team members of Emily Gold. She was a bright young soul and will be deeply missed. pic.twitter.com/j3tv3mAhU2— America’s Got Talent (@AGT) September 17, 2024
The dancer’s parents, Steven Gold and Brandy Gold, also shared a heartbreaking message about their late daughter on Instagram. “With sadness beyond measure we must tell you all that we lost our beautiful Emily on September 13th,” they captioned a photo of Emily in her cheer uniform. “Our hearts have a hole the size of the universe right now.”
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The statement continued, “The outpouring of love and support we are receiving shows us how many lives that angel touched and lifted up, and it is what will help us through the most difficult time of our lives. Thank you all so much for your love and support.”
Gold was found dead at 11:52 p.m. on Friday (Sept. 13), the San Bernardino Coroner told People. Per the California Highway Patrol Public Information Office, “officers from the California Highway Patrol Rancho Cucamonga area responded to a pedestrian down in lanes.”
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The statement continued, “When the officers arrived, they located a female, 17 year old, who was struck by at least one other vehicle in the carpool lane on eastbound 210. The female did succumb to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
Last month, Gold and the Los Osos High School dance team were eliminated in the America’s Got Talent quarterfinals. However, the team received a standing ovation from judge Simon Cowell. “It was absolutely brilliant,” he said at the time. “What I loved about this was first of all the energy. I think what I just saw is everything a great school should be doing, which is encouraging talent and friendship. “
Gold’s community has since organized a GoFundMe to raise money for her family. See it here.
If you or anyone you know is in crisis, call 988 or visit the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s website for free, confidential emotional support and resources 24/7.
America’s Got Talent contestant and Los Osos High School dancer and cheerleader, Emily Gold, has died. She was 17 years old. Gold was found dead by suicide at 11:52 pm on Friday (Sept. 13), the San Bernardino Coroner told People. Per the California Highway Patrol Public Information Office, “officers from the California Highway Patrol Rancho Cucamonga […]
After a two-week break for the Paris Summer Olympics, America’s Got Talent returned on Aug. 13 with the first of four live quarterfinal rounds.
Eleven acts took the stage, but it was Peoria, IL, native Liv Warfield who stole the show with her powerful rendition of “The Unexpected,” a song written for her by Prince.
Warfield, who had already made waves with her Golden Buzzer-winning audition, brought an emotional intensity to the Pasadena Civic Auditorium that left the judges in awe.
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Backed by her horn-laden band, she delivered a performance that Simon Cowell described as “unbelievable.” “If this was the Olympics for singing, you would have won the gold medal,” Cowell said. “It felt to me like all those years you’ve been climbing the ladder to where you want to be, it all came out in those three minutes.”
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Sofia Vergara was equally impressed, calling Warfield’s performance “Perfection,” and adding, “Your outfit, your voice, the song—it’s amazing to have an artist like you here with us.”
Howie Mandel, a self-proclaimed Prince fan, offered his own high praise. “I’m a huge Prince fan, and he knew what he was doing when he gave you this gem. That was a million-dollar performance. America is crazy if they don’t vote for you, that’s your drop-the-mic moment.”
Warfield’s connection to Prince is both deep and personal. As a former member of his New Power Generation, she was mentored by the legendary artist, who not only shaped her career but also wrote “The Unexpected” specifically for her.
In a heartfelt pre-performance interview, Warfield reflected on her journey: “I’ve been grinding for a long time. Backing up Prince was a dream. But I still haven’t reached the heights I know I can reach. The golden buzzer … when I got home I cried in the car … I cried hard. I didn’t think this would be happening. I’m just everyday people.”
The audience’s response was immediate, with fans taking to social media to voice their support. One commenter noted, “Liv is one of the most talented people that AGT introduced to me,” while another added, “The fact she shared a stage with Prince and sang a song he wrote for her—that alone is amazing. You got my vote.”
As the live rounds continue, Warfield stands out as a top contender, with many eagerly awaiting her next performance.
In addition to her success on AGT, Warfield has made notable achievements on the Billboard charts. Her album The Unexpected reached No. 3 on the Top R&B Albums chart in 2014, and her single “Stay – ‘Soul Lifted’” made an impact on Adult R&B Airplay.
Watch Liv Warfield’s America’s Got Talent performance below.
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Tuesday’s episode (July 2) of America’s Got Talent introduced viewers to an incredible young talent — 9-year-old Pranysqa Mishra from Tampa, Fla.
Pranysqa’s powerful rendition of Tina Turner’s “River Deep, Mountain High” left the judges and audience wildly impressed, ultimately earning her the coveted Golden Buzzer from judge Heidi Klum.
Before her Season 19 audition, Pranysqa shared her lifelong passion for singing, which dates back as far as she can remember.
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“I always just love singing. It makes me feel happy. Even when I was four years old, I would pretend that I have a microphone, and I would sing like I’m singing to the whole world,” she enthused.
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Pranysqa credited her grandmother as her main inspiration and the driving force behind her burgeoning career, along with her musical idols Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, and Whitney Houston.
Despite admitting to some nerves, particularly about performing in front of the notoriously tough Simon Cowell, Pranysqa’s confidence shone through the moment she began singing with a commanding voice that defied her youth.
The judges were visibly stunned, exchanging looks of disbelief as her powerful vocals filled the auditorium.
“Oh my gosh, I did not expect that. We expect a lot of things, but I did not expect that,” Heidi Klum exclaimed.
Without hesitation, Klum hit the Golden Buzzer, sending Pranysqa straight to the live shows. “I want you to call your grandmother and say that Heidi Klum pushed the Golden Buzzer for you,” she told the young singer.
When the golden confetti rained down on Pranysqa, she began crying tears of happiness, clearly in shock that she had earned the golden honor. “My dream is coming true. I can’t believe it,” she said, reflecting on her grandmother’s prediction that she would one day perform on a big stage.
Pranysqa’s family joined her on stage for an emotional celebration, with tears of joy and hugs all around. Klum then helped Pranysqa call her grandmother to share the incredible news.
“You are absolutely incredible,” Heidi Klum told the pint-sized powerhouse after her performance.
Watch Pranysqa Mishra perform the Tina Turner classic “River Deep, Mountain High” on America’s Got Talent below.
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Latin spirit tells only a small part of Gabriel Henrique’s unique talents. The Brazilian singer showed the full arsenal when he performed Tuesday night, Sept. 19 on America’s Got Talent, for a spot in the finals.
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Henrique earned Sofia Vergara’s Golden Buzzer earlier in the season, with a performance of Whitney Houston’s “Run to You”.
Now, with his spot in the Qualifiers round, Henrique swung for the fences with a rendition of Jacob Banks’ “Something Beautiful,” combining pitch, power and an array of high notes that climbed to whistle range, a skill that would make Mariah Carey proud.
The room delivered a standing applause, as did all four judges.
“I don’t even have anything to say. It was perfection,” Vergara later enthused. “It was just like an angel. You are definitely a star. It was beautiful.” And it was goosebumps material, she declared, showing off the effect on her arm to her fellow judges.
Simon Cowell remarked, “You could have sung something less obvious. The fact that you sung this song…you absolutely nailed it. It was way better in my opinion than your first audition.” Just “maybe” with that performance, the Brit remarked, Henrique might have booked a spot in the final.
“You have an unbelievable talent,” was Heidi Klum’s opinion. “Especially from the second part of the song, you showed what sets you apart from the other singers. I feel like you busted out some tunes that are unhuman. It was incredible what we just heard.”
Speaking last, Howie Mandel admitted his initial concerns about the song choice. Those worries quickly disappeared. “Once you hit that note, that’s what makes you stand out. That’s why people are going to remember you.”
Just two contestants can go through from tonight’s round. Now, it’s America’s turn to vote.
Speaking through an interpreter, Henrique shared a parting gift. “I like to say what I feel in my heart,” he noted. “And if it’s not with love, then it doesn’t mean anything.”
Watch below.
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America’s Got Talent is continuing auditions for its 18th season, and stumbled on a hidden gem on Tuesday night’s (July 12) episode in 27-year-old contestant Lavender Darcangelo, who left judges Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara and Simon Cowell stunned by her talent.
After walking onto the stage with her father, Darcangelo gave some background information on her life story. “I’ve been singing since actually I was three years old. I didn’t talk until I was four and a half. I’m also autistic as well as blind. I have a lot of dreams,” she said. “I want to build a school where the classes are based off of what kids are naturally curious at, a school I would have thrived in. My dad’s name is Will. He adopted me later in life. I met him at this after-school program he was doing.”
Will, who stood next to Lavender during her introduction, picked up where she left off. “I started an after-school music program. Lavender and I met and she asked me to adopt her, but I said, ‘I’m a member of the faculty, that’s just not how it works,’” he shared. “Several years goes by and she’s having struggles, and before you know it, she moves in with me and my husband Jamie the day we came home from our honeymoon. A year after that, she became out legal daughter.”
Will then stepped away to let Lavender sing her song of choice — “Out Here on My Own” sung by Irene Cara for the Fame soundtrack. “Sometimes I wonder where I’ve been/ Who I am, do I fit in/ Make believin’ is hard alone/ Out here on my own/ We’re always provin’ who we are, always reachin’/ For that risin’ star/ To guide me far and shine me home, out here on my own,” she belted on the verse and chorus of the emotive track.
Following her performance, Lavender received a standing ovation not only from the crowd, but from all four of the judges on the panel.
“Everything about that was magical. You have such a talent. You have such an amazing personality,” Cowell told the singer. “We make the show because we get to meet people like you occasionally, and I’m so happy that you’ve come on our show to share your talent with us, because this is an audition I’ll never forget.”
Klum remarked that she was blown away by Lavender and her performance. “I feel like I just fell in love,” she said. “This AGT journey is an amazing journey, and I would love to be your cheerleader and hold you hand all the way to the finish line. What do you say?”
Klum then slammed her hand down on the Golden Buzzer, causing golden confetti to rain down from the ceiling.
Watch Lavender’s audition above.
America’s Got Talent season 5 winner Michael Grimm is officially in recovery, his wife Lucie Zolcerva-Grimm shared with fans in an update posted to Instagram on Saturday. Zolcerva-Grimm says the singer “is now in a recovery facility for physical therapy, speech therapy. His mind and body has disconnected so we are working on reconnecting that. […]
Drums appear across all cultures, a beat has been with us since each of us was in the womb. So why wait to get your hands on a pair of drumsticks?
That’s the idea behind the Atlanta Drum Academy, a youth percussion ensemble which made a real noise when they auditioned Tuesday night (June 13) for America’s Got Talent.
The Academy’s director James Riles, III, started it so little kids could get stuck in early and not wait for middle school to join the band.
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His group is a “safe space for all drummers, no matter their age, that want to learn to play the drums.”
One of those kids is eight-year-old band leader Chioma, a cheery lad from Georgia, with the self-belief that many of us older folks are sorely missing.
When asked backstage why choose AGT, he had the answer. “I had a dream that I was on America’s Got Talent, winning the golden buzzer, and now I’m just right here. I love this show.” The young lad is so determined, he even made a vision board with his mom. “I believe I can win.”
Chioma was so enthusiastic, he addressed the AGT judging panel without the use of his microphone. Small error, immediately corrected.
Leading the way with his marching drum, Chioma and the Atlanta Drum Academy beat their way into the hearts of the audience, and the judging panel, all of whom stood to their feet.
“It was fun, it was energetic, you guys are adorable,” enthused Howie Mandel. “I think everybody in this room loved you, I love you.”
“I love that you do something with your extra time outside of school instead of being on your computers,” remarked Heidi Klum. “You’re putting this amazing act together. I love that.”
“I haven’t seen anything like this before on this stage,” said Sofia Vergara. “I think you have a very big chance to win this competition because everyone is going to go crazy.”
“Well,” said Simon Cowell, “I didn’t like it,” a comment that earned a chorus of boos from the audience. “I absolutely loved it. Seriously what’s not to like. It’s so much fun and they’re so talented. This is one of my favorite, favorite auditions this year.”
Before the judges could tally their votes, host Terry Crews stepped in and took action. Golden Buzzer action. Some dreams do come true.
Watch below.
Michael Grimm could use some positive thoughts sent his way. The America’s Got Talent season five winner was recently hospitalized and placed on a ventilator with a severe unknown illness that’s wreaking havoc on his mind and body, according to a video posted by his wife, Lucie Zolcerva-Grimm.
“I know you all love Michael and while I want to protect his privacy and his request to not disclose anything, we’re kind of in a situation,” she began, tearing up at times, in a long update shared Tuesday (June 6) on Michael’s Instagram page. “It’s been an emotional ride.”
“You may have noticed that he was struggling with his health a lot, lacking energy and not being able to fulfill shows,” Lucie continued, revealing that during Memorial Day weekend, her husband’s mystery condition kicked into high gear.
Over the holiday, Lucie said, Michael began looking sickly and had trouble lifting his head or responding to conversation, experiencing tremors and eventually speaking “gibberish.” He was rushed to the ICU and placed on a ventilator, heavily sedated so that he wouldn’t stroke out or flatline.
“The doctors were finally able to remove the ventilator today, and he is breathing on his own,” Lucie said. “However, due to the last week, his body went through a lot. They do still have him sedated so he doesn’t seize or flatline from the fluctuating blood pressure.”
“We don’t know what’s wrong,” she added. “My priority right now is to stand by Michael.”
To fans wanting to help the family, Lucie encouraged people to send supportive letters to Michael and provided information on how to donate money toward his medical expenses. “I’m asking all the fans to be patient, please,” she said. “Keep Michael in their prayers, in their minds and their hearts.”
The 44-year-old singer-guitarist was the fifth ever AGT winner, taking the prize in 2010. At the time, he revealed that it was then-girlfriend Lucie who inspired his winning finale performance of Percy Sledge’s “When a Man Loves a Woman.” One day after winning, Michael proposed to Lucie on Ellen, and they’ve been married since 2011.
Watch Lucie’s video below: