In the final round of America’s Got Talent (AGT) on September 24 (local time), Richard Goodall beat out nine contestants with his singing performance. He won with a song by the rock band Journey, featuring band member – guitarist Neal Schon. At the end of the performance, Neal Schon said that he had been following Goodall’s journey for the past six months and was proud to support the contestant.

Richard Goodall said he never expected to get this far in the show. Before competing, he worked as a janitor at an Indiana school for 23 years. On stage, Goodall said: “I want to say that two minutes on stage changed my life and I really did.”

Judge Heidi Klum said the contestant had a great performance. MC Terry Crews said the finale stage made Goodall’s dream come true.

In the YouTube comments section of the contest , most viewers were pleased with the results, saying that Goodall’s story – from a man with a normal background and job to becoming the champion of a major program – motivated them to believe in themselves. One account wrote: “He taught us to never stop believing in ourselves and that it’s never too late to start pursuing our dreams. Congratulations Richard Goodall.”

Another viewer commented: “Recognizing the abilities of unknown contestants who don’t make money from performing, nor are they entertainment professionals, is what a talent show should do.”

Speaking to Billboard after the finals, Richard Goodall said he couldn’t believe that a janitor with his many years of experience could sing on television with the legends of Journey. “It’s beyond imagination. I couldn’t even dream of it before,” he told Billboard . Regarding the prize money, Goodall and his wife consulted a financial advisor to plan a reasonable spending plan.