Richard Goodall, the singing janitor, is currently favored to win Season 19 of “America’s Got Talent,” but the competition remains intense. Quick-change artist Solange Kardinaly has garnered significant online support, impressing audiences weekly with her stunning illusion performances. According to predictions from Gold Derby, Richard leads with odds of 5/6, while Solange follows closely with odds of 5/1.
In the episode aired on September 17, Solange showcased an extraordinary routine, executing several quick changes while performing magic tricks. Her performance culminated with her soaring into the air, surrounded by white confetti.
Judges praised her performance, with Simon Cowell calling it “incredible, incredible, incredible.” Heidi Klum referred to her as the “most beautiful magician” to perform on their stage. Sofia Vergara expressed that watching her was “so much fun,” while Howie Mandel suggested that she could “have her own room in Las Vegas.”
If Solange wins, she would join the ranks of magicians who have taken the title, following Mat Franco from Season 9, Shin Lim from Season 13, and Dustin Tavella from Season 16. The highest-placing female magician in the show’s history was Anna DeGuzman from Season 18, who finished as a runner-up to the dog act, Adrian Stoica & Hurricane.
In the finals of “America’s Got Talent,” Solange and Richard are competing against other finalists, including the air-dance group AIRFOOTWORKS, dance crew Brent Street, singer Dee Dee Simon, acrobatic group Hakuna Matata Acrobats, comedian Learnmore Jonasi, dog act Roni Sagi & Rhythm, aerial duo Sebastián & Sonia, and drone group Sky Elements. The grand finale is set to take place on Tuesday, September 24, on NBC. Noteworthy appearances that night will include Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles, singer Michael Bublé, guitarist Neal Schon, DJ Steve Aoki, comedian Gabriel Iglesias, the cast of “Magic Mike Live Las Vegas,” singer Andra Day, and the Detroit Youth Choir, which previously competed on “AGT.”