Richard Goodall, a humble school janitor, has touched hearts across America with his moving performance of ‘How Am I Supposed To Live Without You’ on the popular TV show America’s Got Talent.
For 23 years, Goodall has been more than just a janitor at an elementary school in Vigo County, Indiana. He’s been brightening the days of students and staff with his singing. Little did he know that God had bigger plans for his talent.
Last year, Goodall’s life turned around after he sang Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop Believin” for the kids. A teaching assistant filmed it and put it on TikTok. The video became a hit overnight, getting millions of views. Even Steve Perry, the former lead singer of Journey, saw it and shared it online.
This video caught the eye of America’s Got Talent producers. They invited Goodall to audition for the show. For a man who had never flown on a plane or traveled far from home, this was a big deal. Goodall told Parade magazine, “I’m flying by the seat of my pants.” He went to Los Angeles, not knowing what to expect.
At his first audition, Goodall sang ‘Don’t Stop Believin”. His performance was so good that judge Heidi Klum gave him the Golden Buzzer. This meant he went straight to the live shows. The judges and audience loved his talent and his humble nature.
Recently, Goodall returned to the America’s Got Talent stage for the Quarterfinals. This time, he sang Michael Bolton’s ‘How Am I Supposed To Live Without You’. He dedicated the song to his fiancée, Angie, who was in the audience.
Goodall told NBC Insider that having Angie there meant a lot to him. He said it was hard to keep his emotions in check while singing.
The judges were impressed once again. Heidi Klum said, “I don’t know what it is with you, Richard, but I just have a really soft spot for you in my heart. I think you’re incredible.”
Simon Cowell, known for being tough, praised Goodall’s memorable presence, saying, “You’re one of the most memorable contestants we’ve had for a long, long time.” He added, “If you make it through, you really do have a shot at winning this whole competition.”
Sofia Vergara was moved to tears by his performance, telling Goodall, “I think I was crying. That was so beautiful. If this was for your fiancée, she must be feeling so special and so happy.”
Despite being on a big TV show, Goodall stays humble. He told The Indianapolis Star that he just wants to bring hope and positivity to the world through his singing. He said, “There’s just so much negative energy. And then when somebody like me, just a regular person who’s scraping boogers and gum… What you’ve seen on America’s Got Talent, I wasn’t doing anything different than what I’ve always done.”
Goodall’s story teaches us that our circumstances don’t limit us. For over 20 years, he’s been using his gift to make children happy, without seeking fame. His genuine love for singing is what has made so many people like him.
Goodall has made it to the Live Semifinals of America’s Got Talent. He’s taking it all in stride, telling The Indianapolis Star, “It’s like a rollercoaster. I don’t have any expectations out of the show or what comes after that. Whatever happens, it happens. And if it’s meant to be, I’m all cool with it, but I’m not a fancy person. I’m never gonna be a fancy person.”
If Goodall wins the million-dollar prize, he plans to retire in Florida with his fiancée and their two dogs. But win or lose, he’s already made a big impact. He’s shown people that it’s never too late to follow your dreams, no matter your job or age.
WATCH: Richard Goodall Sings ‘How Am I Supposed To Live Without You’ on America’s Got Talent
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