Off The Record

When He Stepped On Scene They Weren’t Expecting That He Had Any Extraordinary Talent, But Wait Till You Hear Him Sing

Published on June 7, 2024

Richard Goodall never gave up on his beliefs, and it paid off handsomely.

The Golden Buzzer-winning rendition of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” by Goodall on the premiere of America’s Got Talent Season 19 astounded both the judges and the audience.

It took him a while to get his big break. When he originally tried out for AGT in 2009, he was not selected beyond the Chicago open auditions.

Things were totally different this time. Both the audience and the four judges gave him a standing ovation following his AGT performance.

Even before the judges regained control of the room to deliver their formal remarks, the audience started screaming Goodall’s name and shouting “Richard” over and over.

All four of the judges—Howie Mandel, Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, and Heidi Klum—were obviously in awe, but it was Klum who won the coveted Golden Buzzer and sent Goodall directly to the talent show’s live performances this season.

Many people are curious as to Richard Goodall’s identity.

Here are 6 facts about the breakout artist to be aware of before his upcoming performances during this AGT season.

1. Goodall has spent 23 years working as a janitor

When it came time to get a job, Goodall discovered that Chauncey Rose Middle School, which is “just three blocks” from his Terre Haute, Indiana home, was hiring janitors. He has spent the last 23 years working as a janitor at West Vigo Middle School.

2. It was Goodall’s students that persuaded him to go on the audition

According to Goodall, he was inspired to board the plane, try out, and finally show off his skills to the world by the youngsters he works with.

“The kids would hear me sing, and they tell me that I’ve got talent,” Goodall shared. “That’s why I’m here.”

3. Goodall’s singing has previously made him viral

The public has previously taken notice of Goodall before this performance. During the summer of 2022, Goodall gained widespread attention for his rendition of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin'” during the end-of-year program at Davis Park Elementary School.

4. To help him relax before his performance, Goodall actually listened to Journey

Even though Goodall acknowledged that he was anxious before going on the AGT stage, he said that just listening to Journey might ease his anxiety.

“When I hear Journey, Foreigner, and Survivor music, it center me, calms me down, and lets me know that I am okay,” the vocalist said, expressing his emotional attachment to the songs he performs.

5. The 55-year-old has always enjoyed music listening and singing

Goodall reminisced about his childhood days of listening to music on his Radio Shack stereo in his bedroom during the show’s premiere. He would “just belt it out” while singing along.

6. Goodall performs with his pals in a band in his free time

His friend Tom Greenberg plays with him in the band ManOpause, along with two other people. The band plays ““classic to current rock anthems that others just can’t play,” according to their Facebook page. Richard sings lead vocals for the group.

Below is a video of Goodall’s rendition of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing.”