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Sometimes a hidden talent is discovered on America’s Got Talent—so was the case of Richard Goodall.
Goodall, 55 years old, has been a janitor in the Vigo County School Corporation in Terre Haute. He would sing as he worked. He has been a janitor for 23 years.
The middle school students 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 sometime 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 approve of the judges and the roaring applause of the audience.
This greatly humbled the 55-year-old janitor into tears, but the great finale of this performance was yet to come.
Heidi Klum so taken by his performance hit the Golden button, 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 sings “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.”
Tragically his wife Patty died of cancer three year ago.
He is presently engaged to Angela Vanoven. Having missed the first audition, she was in the audience for the Live Semi Finals.
Richard said this was not on his radar and he 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.
Watch AGT cheer this Hoosier on. Download the America’s Got Talent App and vote to send him through the Live Shows to the Finale.
Richard Goodall
Goodall overwhelmed by confetti after receiving a "Golden Buzzer."
Goodall with his fiancee Angela Vanoven.