Richard Goodall, a small-town Indiana janitor, recently stole the hearts of America’s Got Talent judges and audiences alike with his showstopping rendition of Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’.
Goodall, who first tried out for the talent show back in 2009 without success, decided to give it another shot during the 19th season premiere.
The 55-year-old explained that music has always been his passion, with bands like Journey, Foreigner, and Survivor being his go-to for calming nerves before a performance.
Growing up in Terre Haute, Indiana, Goodall worked as a janitor at Chauncey Rose Middle School, just a few blocks away from his childhood home.
It was there that the kids started to recognize his talent as he would sing while he worked. This support from his students pushed Goodall to pursue his dream of becoming a singer.
Despite his newfound fame, Goodall has been performing for years, even going viral in 2022 for a performance at Davis Park Elementary School.
His viral video caught the attention of none other than Journey’s former frontman, Steve Perry. Goodall, a member of the band ManOpause, has a loyal fan base, especially among his former students who have been cheering him on.
During his America’s Got Talent audition, Goodall received praise and a Golden Buzzer from judge Heidi Klum. The Golden Buzzer guarantees him a spot in the live shows in Hollywood, a dream come true for the emotional janitor.
With the support of the judges and audience, Goodall is set to continue his journey on the talent show, representing small-town talent and proving that dreams can come true no matter where you start.
