As “America’s Got Talent” began its 19th season, 55-year-old janitor and singer Richard Goodall took to the stage and delivered an amazing performance that instantly won him the Golden Buzzer. Goodall delivered his rendition of “Don’t Stop Believin” by Journey, wowing the audience and judges.
The custodian told host Terry Crews about his career and what led him to audition on the televised talent show. “I just belt it out,” he said to Crews. “Eventually, I was like, I got to find me a job, so I [became] a janitor at Chauncey Rose Middle School, which is only three blocks away from my house.”
Goodall explained that the Middle Schoolers would hear him sing, praising his talented voice. This ultimately inspired him to take a shot at “AGT.” “The kids would hear me sing, and they tell me that I’ve got talent,” he added. “That’s why I’m here. That’s why I got on a plane.”
As Goodall initially walked out on the stage, he appeared nervous as he told the panel of judges that his act had “been a long time coming.” Simon Cowell cheered on Goodall, stating, “Shake off those nerves. We’re here, we’re rooting for you.”
After he concluded singing the classic Journey song, Goodall received extensive praise from the judges. “Richard, you are my hero,” Cowell applauded the janitor. Howie Mandel chimed in, “You, and maybe because you’ve been doing it for 23 years, but you just cleaned up.” He added, “I would imagine that every kid that has ever been in a school with you is just screaming. I just think you’re amazing.”
“Richard, Richard, Richard, you knocked me off my feet,” Heidi Klum said emphatically. “I mean, we all had the best time with you up there on that stage. I really, really feel something when I see you up there and hear you up there, and now this is what I’m going to do for you because I love you.”
The judge proceeded to press the famous Golden Buzzer, which sent Goodall directly to the live shows, causing him to burst into tears of joy. “It was amazing,” said Klum before charging the stage to hug the singer. She added that she was anticipating his next performance, stating, “I can’t wait to see what you’re going to sing next.”
Users on YouTube noted how impressive the performance was. “I can’t express with words how lucky I feel to be able to say that I am one of the kids who always told him how amazing his voice is. My favorite part of walking through the hallway of Elementary school is hearing this phenomenon,” one person commented. Watch Goodall’s performance below:
Another person added how Goodall’s singing was more than deserving of the highly coveted Golden Buzzer. “This is one of the most deserved golden buzzer I have ever seen. A 50-year-old janitor who seems shy and nervous with a beautiful voice. This is the hope America needs.”
Note: The featured image is a screenshot from the embedded video.
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