In a touching turn of events, the latest contestant on America’s Got Talent (AGT) is a 55-year-old Indiana janitor named Richard Goodall. Goodall captured the hearts of both the judges and the audience with his moving performance of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin,” earning him the $1 million (€950,000) grand prize.

Richard Goodall: From housekeeper to defender

Goodall’s experience on AGT has been incredibly motivating. He started out as a modest school janitor who inspired the kids he worked with by singing in the hallways. He had no idea that his voice would eventually take him to the AGT finale, where he would perform with the band Journey.

Given his prior setback with The Voice, Goodall’s ascent to fame is all the more inspiring. He was not selected for the show beyond the audition round, despite his vocal prowess. But rather than allowing this rejection to define him, Goodall turned it into motivation for his next endeavor. “Indiana’s singing janitor” caused a stir on TikTok after she sang at a school graduation ceremony. His schoolmates and friends encouraged him to reapply, this time for America’s Got Talent.

The Golden Buzzer moment for Richard Goodall

Goodall advanced directly to the live shows after AGT judge Heidi Klum gave him the coveted Golden Buzzer during his audition. Klum later said, “I believed in him,” expressing her happiness over his victory. I fell head over heels for him right away. My tiny heart just melted for him.

What does Richard Goodall do next?

“The sky is the limit,” Goodall remarked after his victory. I went into the auditions with no preconceived notions… According to Fox News, “I just give it all and leave it all on the stage.”

Regarding the future, Goodall intends to resume his janitorial responsibilities for a while while also remaining open to new opportunities. Undoubtedly, the $1 million award and his newly acquired notoriety signal the beginning of a new phase in his life.