Richard Goodall, a 55-year-old school janitor from Terre Haute, Indiana, captivated audiences during the 2024 season of “America’s Got Talent” (AGT) with his heartfelt rendition of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.” His performance earned him the coveted Golden Buzzer from judge Heidi Klum, propelling him directly to the live shows. This audition, which aired on May 28, 2024, has garnered over 34 million views on AGT’s official YouTube channel.
Prior to his AGT journey, Goodall had worked as a janitor for 23 years, often singing to entertain himself and the students. A video of him performing “Don’t Stop Believin'” went viral in 2022, showcasing his talent to a broader audience.
Throughout the competition, Goodall delivered memorable performances, including Michael Bolton’s “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” in the quarterfinals, dedicated to his fiancée, Angie Vanoven. In the semifinals, he energized the audience with Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger,” and in the finals, he returned to Journey’s repertoire with “Faithfully.” His consistent and heartfelt performances resonated with both the judges and viewers, leading to his victory on September 24, 2024.
A highlight of the AGT finale was Goodall’s duet with Journey, performing “Don’t Stop Believin'” alongside the band’s members, including Neal Schon. This collaboration was a dream come true for Goodall and a testament to his remarkable journey from janitor to AGT champion.
Following his win, Goodall expressed immense gratitude and excitement for the future. Despite his newfound fame, he planned to return temporarily to his janitorial duties, emphasizing his grounded nature and dedication to his community.
Goodall’s story is a powerful reminder that talent can emerge from the most unexpected places and that it’s never too late to pursue one’s dreams.
