TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — Indiana’s singing janitor was back in the spotlight Thursday, performing before his hometown fans in Terre Haute.
“America’s Got Talent” champion Richard Goodall sang the national anthem before Indiana State’s men’s basketball game against Eureka College. He returned to perform at halftime, singing Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” — the song that launched him onto the national stage.
Earlier Thursday, Goodall announced he would sing the anthem at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sunday, Nov. 17 before the Indiana Pacers’ game against the Miami Heat.
Goodall captured the hearts of the “America’s Got Talent” judges and viewers and won last season’s $1 million prize. He was crowned champion of the NBC talent competition show at the end of the two-hour finale Tuesday, Sept. 24.
“It’s just amazing. I’m in awe. The one word that I continue to use in all the interviews is surreal, and it encompasses everything that’s been going on. It’s just been absolutely amazing,” Goodall told 13News.
Goodall showed his singing talent and humbleness, which he credits to the work he does as a custodian at West Vigo Middle School.
“I’m just like anybody else. I probably do one of the most humblest jobs there is,” Goodall said. “When you’re a janitor, a lot of people, not necessarily take you for granted, but you’re the person that’s there behind the scenes that makes sure everything gets done that needs to be done.”
As for what’s next in the bigger picture for Goodall, that’s still to be decided by him and his new wife, Angie Vanoven, whom he married days before the “AGT” finale.
“We’re really just waiting to see what happens after the show, any offers that come our way,” Goodall said. “We’ve spotted our eye on a house in Terre Haute. And then, the sky’s the limit after the show.”
