Indiana janitor-turned-sensation Richard Goodall never gave up on his dreams, and that perseverance took him from his audition on America’s Got Talent all the way to becoming the Season 19 champion in an unforgettable journey.

Goodall first captured the hearts of the judges with his stirring rendition of Journey’s classic 1981 hit, «Don’t Stop Believin’.» His performance was so powerful that it earned him one of Judge Heidi Klum’s coveted Golden Buzzers. Fast forward to the Season 19 finale, where Goodall delivered a heartfelt and emotional performance of Journey’s 1983 ballad “Faithfully,” a song he later revealed to NBC Insider was one he often sang to his wife.

“Thankfully, it’s a song I’ve been singing to Ang for a very long time,” Goodall shared. “I started my journey on this show with Journey’s music, and I wanted to end it the same way. Little did I know it would become a highlight of my life… Absolutely phenomenal.”

In a special surprise, Journey’s legendary guitarist Neal Schon appeared via video to deliver a message that left Goodall stunned. «Richard, it’s Neal from Journey,» Schon said. «I loved your audition, man, and I’ve got a surprise for you: I’m coming to perform with you in the finale. I’ll see you soon.»

Goodall’s electrifying finale performance with Neal Schon and members of Journey had the audience on their feet. They gave an epic performance of “Don’t Stop Believin’,” echoing his audition and bringing his AGT journey full circle. Schon’s iconic guitar solo sent fans into a frenzy, and the moment was sealed with a celebratory fist bump between the rock legend and Goodall. The performance, enhanced by pyrotechnics, left the judges—Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum, and Howie Mandel—in awe.

After the performance, Schon expressed his admiration for Goodall. Speaking to host Terry Crews, Schon said, «We’ve been on tour for the last six months, but we’ve been watching Richard, and he’s just incredible. He’s an amazing singer, an amazing person, and I’m proud to be here today for him.»

Reflecting on his time on AGT, Goodall admitted that he never imagined he’d be sharing the stage with his musical heroes. “Someone pinch me,” he joked.

The moment was even more special for Goodall, as he had recently married the love of his life, Angie Vanoven, in a beachside ceremony in Malibu. Klum took a moment to congratulate Goodall on his marriage before celebrating his performance with Journey. “We always see the kindness in your eyes, and I’m just so happy for you,” she said. “And performing with these legends… how amazing is that?”

As Goodall and Schon embraced on stage, it was clear that this was a moment of triumph and joy for the newlywed and newly crowned AGT champion.

Here’s to Richard Goodall’s continued success, both in his personal life and his blossoming music career.

You can catch up on Season 19 of America’s Got Talent, now available on NBC and Peacock.