Richard Goodall’s performance on AGT was a stunning tribute to his fiancée Angie, who finally got to see him perform live

Vigo County school janitor Richard Goodall captured hearts across the country when his America’s Got Talent Season 19 audition aired in May.

Goodall performed a rendition of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” had audience members dancing in their seats and so wowed judge Heidi Klum that she gave him the Golden Buzzer, automatically advancing him to the show’s live rounds, which began Tuesday night.

What did Richard Goodall perform on America’s Got Talent Aug. 13?

Goodall sang Michael Bolton’s “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You.” He dedicated the performance to his fiancée, Angie, who was unable to make the trip to Los Angeles when his audition was taped last spring but who was sitting in the audience for this performance.

What did AGT judges say about Richard Goodall?

Klum, whose Golden Buzzer advanced Goodall to the live rounds automatically, said: “I just have a really soft, soft spot for you in my heart.”

Simon Cowell called Goodall “one of the most memorable contestants we’ve had for a long, long time.” He went on to say that although he wouldn’t have chosen that song for Goodall, he “nailed it.”

"America's Got Talent" judge Simon Cowell applauds during the first quarterfinal round of Season 19, Aug. 13, 2024.

Cowell continued: “If you make it through, you really do have a shot (at) winning this whole competition.”

How do the AGT live shows work?

Dedicated fans will notice a few changes with this year’s live shows. The live shows will be split into four weeks of quarterfinals before heading into a semifinal round and a two-week finale. Also new this season is the live show Golden Buzzer. One judge will be allotted a Golden Buzzer during each round of the quarterfinals, giving them the opportunity to send an act directly to the finals.

In each week of the quarterfinal round, 11 acts will perform live, with the Golden Buzzer sending one of those acts to the finals. Viewers’ votes will determine which additional three acts from each quarterfinal round will move forward.

In the semifinal round, 12 acts will perform. The six acts that receive the most viewer votes will join the four live show Golden Buzzer recipients in the finals.

Who got the Golden Buzzer in the first round of AGT quarterfinals?

Judge Sofia Vergara gave the Hakuna Matata Acrobats, an acrobatics group from Tanzania, her live show Golden Buzzer, advancing them directly to the finals.

When is the AGT finale?

The two-night Season 19 finale will take place Sept. 17 and 24.

How do I vote on America’s Got Talent?

Viewers will be able to cast their votes until 7 a.m. Wednesday at nbc.com/agtvote or via the AGT app, available through Google Play and the App Store.