The Shocking Truth About The $1 Million Prize: A Complete List Of Every America's Got Talent Winner (Updated 2024)

Every year, millions of viewers tune in to America's Got Talent (AGT) to witness ordinary people achieve extraordinary dreams, culminating in the crowning of a new champion who walks away with a life-changing grand prize. As of the current date in 2024, the newest name added to this prestigious list is singer Richard Goodall, the beloved "singing janitor" from Indiana, who captured the hearts of the nation and secured the Season 19 title. The show continues to be a powerhouse of talent discovery, but the journey for its winners is often more complex and surprising than the confetti-filled finale suggests.

The list of AGT winners is a fascinating chronicle of diverse talent, ranging from opera singers and ventriloquists to dog acts and magicians. Beyond the dazzling stage performances, the biggest mystery for most fans remains: what truly happens after the final vote is tallied, and how much of that famous $1 million prize do the winners actually take home? This comprehensive, up-to-date guide reveals every single winner from Season 1 to the most recent champion, and uncovers the surprising financial reality of winning the world's biggest talent show.

The Complete Roster: Every America's Got Talent Winner (Season 1 to 19)

The history of America's Got Talent is defined by the incredible variety of its champions. From the very first winner, a young singer named Bianca Ryan, to the most recent sensation, the roster below details every act that has claimed the coveted title and the $1 million prize, including the newest Season 19 winner, Richard Goodall.

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• Season 1 (2006): Bianca Ryan - Singer (The show's very first winner at just 11 years old.)
• Season 2 (2007): Terry Fator - Ventriloquist/Impressionist (Widely considered the most financially successful winner in AGT history.)
• Season 3 (2008): Neal E. Boyd - Opera Singer (Tragically passed away in 2018.)
• Season 4 (2009): Kevin Skinner - Country Singer (Known for his humble background and subsequent low-profile life after the win.)
• Season 5 (2010): Michael Grimm - Singer
• Season 6 (2011): Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. - Jazz Singer
• Season 7 (2012): Olate Dogs - Dog Act (The first non-singing act to win since Terry Fator.)
• Season 8 (2013): Kenichi Ebina - Dancer/Mime (A unique and highly creative mime and dance act.)
• Season 9 (2014): Mat Franco - Magician (The first magician to win AGT.)
• Season 10 (2015): Paul Zerdin - Ventriloquist
• Season 11 (2016): Grace VanderWaal - Singer/Ukulele (A Golden Buzzer winner who became a breakout star.)
• Season 12 (2017): Darci Lynne - Ventriloquist (One of the show's youngest and most popular winners.)
• Season 13 (2018): Shin Lim - Close-Up Magician (Also won AGT: The Champions Season 1.)
• Season 14 (2019): Kodi Lee - Singer/Pianist (A blind and autistic musical savant.)
• Season 15 (2020): Brandon Leake - Spoken Word Poet (The first spoken word artist to win.)
• Season 16 (2021): Dustin Tavella - Magician (A storytelling magician.)
• Season 17 (2022): The Mayyas - Lebanese Dance Group (A stunning, large-scale dance troupe.)
• Season 18 (2023): Adrian Stoica & Hurricane - Dog Act (The second dog act to win the main competition.)
• Season 19 (2024): Richard Goodall - Singer (The "singing janitor" who won with his powerful voice.)

The AGT Prize Money Myth: What Winners Really Take Home

The most persistent question surrounding an AGT victory is the truth behind the $1 million prize. The reality is far more complicated than the dazzling check presented on stage, a detail that often surprises new winners, including Season 19's Richard Goodall.

The show's fine print, often displayed quickly at the end of the broadcast, reveals that the $1,000,000 prize is not a single cash payment.

Instead, the winner has two options:

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1. Annuity Option: Receive $25,000 per year for 40 years. This option is pre-tax, meaning the winner would receive $1 million spread out over four decades.
2. Lump Sum Option: Take a one-time cash payment, which is the present cash value of the annuity. This amount is typically around $300,000 to $400,000 before taxes are deducted.

Most winners choose the lump sum, which is then subject to significant federal and state taxes. For example, a $300,000 payout could be reduced by well over 30% after taxes, meaning the true take-home cash prize is often closer to $200,000.

The real value of winning, however, is the exposure and the guaranteed headlining show in Las Vegas, which is where the most successful contestants, such as Terry Fator and Shin Lim, have truly amassed their wealth and built their long-term careers. The Vegas residency is the golden ticket, not just the check.

The AGT Winner's Journey: From Overnight Star to Global Success

Winning AGT is only the beginning. The show has created some of the biggest success stories in entertainment, while others have chosen a quieter life or, tragically, faded from the spotlight. Examining the post-win careers of these champions provides a fascinating look into the true power of the platform.

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The Richest and Most Successful AGT Winners

The measuring stick for AGT success is often defined by the long-term career built after the show, and a few names stand far above the rest:

• Terry Fator (Season 2): The ventriloquist is arguably the biggest financial success story in AGT history. After his win, Fator secured a massive five-year, $100 million contract with The Mirage in Las Vegas. His long-running residency has earned him a net worth that dwarfs the initial $1 million prize.
• Shin Lim (Season 13): After winning both his original season and AGT: The Champions, the close-up magician established a highly successful, ongoing residency in Las Vegas. His technical mastery and global recognition confirm his status as an AGT powerhouse.
• Grace VanderWaal (Season 11): The young singer-songwriter's debut EP, *Perfectly Imperfect*, became the highest-selling EP of 2016. She has since transitioned into a successful acting career, demonstrating the show's ability to launch careers beyond the stage.
• Darci Lynne (Season 12): A fan-favorite ventriloquist, Darci Lynne Farmer has maintained a highly successful touring career, proving that a family-friendly act can translate into massive ticket sales and enduring popularity.

Recent Champions and Spin-Off Stars (2023-2024)

The most recent winners are already making waves, expanding the AGT universe with new titles from the spin-off series, AGT: Fantasy League.

• Richard Goodall (Season 19, 2024): The "singing janitor" has become an inspirational figure, proving that it's never too late to chase a dream. His immediate future includes the promised Las Vegas show, with a potential album deal to follow, capitalizing on his emotional and powerful performances.
• Adrian Stoica & Hurricane (Season 18, 2023): The Italian dog trainer and his border collie, Hurricane, were a surprise win, marking a victory for unique variety acts. Their win has led to increased demand for their highly entertaining routines worldwide.
• The Ramadhani Brothers (AGT: Fantasy League, 2024): The Tanzanian acrobatic duo, known for their terrifying head-to-head balancing acts, won the first-ever AGT: Fantasy League, a competition featuring past favorites. They were part of Team Howie Mandel, securing their second major AGT title and cementing their status as world-class performers.

The "Vanished" and Tragic Stories

Not every winner finds lasting fame. Some, like country singer Kevin Skinner (Season 4), chose to step back from the spotlight entirely, leading to rumors of a "vanishing" act, while others, like opera singer Neal E. Boyd (Season 3), had their careers tragically cut short. Boyd, who won in 2008, passed away in 2018 at the age of 42.

The diverse outcomes for AGT winners—from securing multi-million dollar Vegas residencies to returning to a quiet life—highlight the fact that the show is a launchpad, but sustained success depends on the winner's drive, management, and the ability to translate their unique talent into a marketable, long-running career.