By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

Sometimes a real hidden talent is discovered on America’s Got Talent. So was the case of Richard Goodall.

Goodall, 55 years old, is a janitor in the Vigo County school system in Indiana, and would sing as he worked. He has been a janitor for 23 years.

The middle school students where he worked noticed his talent and greatly encouraged him to tryout on AGT.

The first time he tried out in 2009 in Chicago, he didn’t get past the first audition. He would wait some 15 years before trying again and this time with different results.

He made it to the stage of AGT in front of the Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara and the sometimes “hard” judge Simon Cowell. Nervously he took the stage and introduced himself. After a pause to collect his composure, he began to sing. He sang a really appropriate song, “Don’t Stop Believing,” a song made popular by Journey in 2005.

It wasn’t long before the audience was standing, clapping and dancing to this song.

The judges were taken away with him. At that point he got the total approval of the judges and the roaring applause of the audience. This greatly humbled the 55-year-old janitor in to tears, but the great finale of this performance was yet to come.

Heidi Klum, so taken by his performance, hit the Golden Buzzer, showering the stage with golden graffiti.

She said, “Richard, Richard, Richard! You are living proof that we should never ever stop dreaming, believing, and singing! I cannot wait for America to fall in love with you like I have. It’s an honor to hit my Golden Buzzer for you.”

The Golden Buzzer sends the contestant directly to the Live rounds.

This year there are four stages: Audition, Live Quarterfinals, Live Semifinals, and a two-week Finale event.

Howie Mandel said, “You just cleaned up.”

Cowell chimed in with “You are my hero.”

Of course, he made it to the Live Semi Finals, where he sang “How Am I Supposed To Live Without You,” originally performed by Michael Bolton.

Goodall said he started singing along with his Radio Shack stereo. He is also in a band called “ ManOpause.”

Richard said, “This was not on my radar, and I never had been on a plane before.”

At a local send-off at the Vigo County Fairgrounds, country music star Walker Hayes gave Goodall a brand-new Buick. Mullen’s Dressing had their own gift for Goodall: a lifetime supply of dressing.

To get to the finals he sang “Eye of the Tiger,” then Faithfully.” He definitely was a favorite of the four judges.


Tuesday Sept. 24, was the finale. All contestants performed for the last time. To add to the show’s drama, each performer was eliminated one at a time. Finally, there was only one left, and that was the singing janitor from Terre Haute, humble Richard Goodall.

In the final performance, he was accompanied by Neal Schon and members of Journey as he again sang “Don’t Stop Believing.” Richard said, “Somebody pinch me.”

Goodall had just married his girl, Angela Vanoven.

The prize money is an annuity paid over 40 years at approximately $25,000 per year, or the winner can receive a reduced lump sum.

Indiana Proud!

Goodall with his new bride, Angela.

Country music star Walker Hayes presented Goodall with a new car.