Richard Goodall, the 55-year-old janitor from Terre Haute, Indiana, has become a standout contestant on America’s Got Talent (AGT) season 19. His audition, which aired in late May 2024, featured a stirring cover of Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’. This performance earned him a coveted Golden Buzzer from judge Heidi Klum, propelling him directly to the live shows.
In the Quarterfinals, which aired on August 13, 2024, Goodall performed Michael Bolton’s How Am I Supposed to Live Without You. This heartfelt performance resulted from multiple iterations, with Goodall opting for a softer, more intimate version for the live stage. The episode featured a variety of talents competing for a spot in the semifinals, and Goodall’s performance was a standout moment.
Richard Goodall’s performance highlights
In his AGT audition, Goodall impressed the judges with his rendition of Journey’s hit, earning him a Golden Buzzer from Heidi Klum. Klum praised Goodall’s passion and talent, stating,
“I have a really soft spot for you in my heart. I think you’re incredible. I felt your nerves a little bit today, but I also feel the passion that you have when you sing.”
While noting that Goodall’s song selection might be considered “old-fashioned,” Simon Cowell acknowledged him as one of the most memorable contestants in recent times. Cowell remarked,
“And if you make it through, you really do have a shot of winning this whole competition.”
In a widely shared TikTok video from May 2022, Richard Goodall sang Don’t Stop Believin’ in front of elementary school children, sparking the start of his meteoric ascent to fame. Steve Perry, the lead singer for Journey, noticed the video and tweeted his appreciation for the performance. It was this early acknowledgment that made Goodall successful in the AGT.
More about Richard Goodall
Richard Goodall plays with his band ManOpause and is still employed as a West Vigo Middle School janitor as of August 11, 2024. Despite his growing celebrity status, he continues to be grounded and committed to his everyday life. Goodall just had a send-off party in Terre Haute to commemorate his trip. There, he sang a few songs and was showered with gifts, including a free car.
Goodall’s performance in the AGT quarterfinals on August 13, 2024, was a moving interpretation of Michael Bolton’s How Am I Supposed to Live Without You. The judges were deeply moved by his passionate delivery and dramatic staging, which included improved lighting and a fog machine.
Watch Richard Goodall’s inspirational journey on America’s Got Talent as he performs live and continues to amaze audiences with his extraordinary talent. Watch his progress to see if he can advance to the championship round. Follow Richard on his path to greatness and watch if he can win over America’s heart by tuning into America’s Got Talent on Tuesdays at 8/7c on NBC.
