He had never flown on a plane before appearing on America’s Got Talent, and now he’s the winner of the show

In a real rags-to-riches story, singing janitor Richard Goodall won the 19th season of America’s Got Talent during the season finale on September 24.

Host Terry Crews called it “one of the best seasons I can remember” as he introduced the two finalists: Goodall and the dance team Roni Sagi and Rhythm. Then he announced that Goodall had won the $1 million grand prize.

After he was announced as the winner, streamers fell from the ceiling onto the stage, and the audience cheered loudly. Judge Heidi Klum ran onto the stage to give Goodall a hug.

When asked how he felt after winning, Goodall mentioned judge Simon Cowell’s previous comments about how quickly life can change.

“Simon says two minutes can change your life. My life has been transformed, and I did it,” he said.

“I’m so excited for you, Richard!” Klum cheered. “I’m so excited! I love you. Thank you, America.”

Goodall, from Terre Haute, Indiana, had been a favorite since he first appeared on the show. He earned the Golden Buzzer from Klum on the May 28 episode after singing a cover of Journey’s classic “Don’t Stop Believin’,” which he got to perform again during the finale with members of the band.

Goodall also enjoyed the perks of his new fame—he was flown to California for the show, which was his first time on a plane.

“Oh my gosh, you guys. I’ve never even been on a plane,” he said after receiving the Golden Buzzer. “I never expected to come to California. It’s just a dream come true.”

As the season went on, the judges recognized that Goodall was a strong competitor.

“I don’t know what it is about you, Richard, but I have a really soft spot for you in my heart,” Klum told him after he sang “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” by Michael Bolton on the August 13 episode.

“And if you make it through, you really do have a chance to win this whole competition,” Cowell told him.

Goodall still can’t believe he won.

“During the audition, I was really nervous,” he told People. “I had never been on a plane, never been west of Missouri. I thought I would just fly out, sing a song, fly back home, and maybe tell someone I was on the show and share a little YouTube video like everyone else. I never dreamed of this.”

Wining the show may actually be the second biggest thing to happen to Goodall this week. During the finale, he revealed he got married.

“She is the love of my life. I love her so much,” he said about his new wife after he performed “Don’t Stop Believin.’”

Goodall is still trying to wrap his head around his busy week.

“My brain is just a mess right now. Surreal doesn’t even begin to explain what’s happened,” he told People. “This has been a total rollercoaster, and now it feels like everything is covered in golden dust.”

Goodall says winning “America’s Got Talent” is an incredible achievement. “There are bucket list items, and then there are the really special ones,” he said. “This is one I didn’t even know I wanted. It’s a bucket list item that I never even dreamed of.”