Don't Miss the 'AGT' Golden Buzzer Winner 20 Years in the Making

Richard Goodall

The one thing that viewers can count on each season on America’s Got Talent is the audition process is full of surprises. One happy surprise that took place tonight was the performance of Richard Goodall, a janitor from Terra Haute, Ind. His was a surprise close to the level of Britain’s Got Talent runner-up Susan Boyle, who went on to become an international phenomenon.

Richard, who has been a janitor for 20 years, told Simon Cowell that he loves to sing, and he proved that he not just loves to sing, but he’s good at.

That said, the 55-year-old was a little nervous, explaining to Simon that “this has been a long time coming.” While Richard was waiting for his music to cue up, he received encouragement from the audience who applauded to give him the courage to perform on the AGT stage.

His song choice was “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey, which as he also told Simon, “spoke for itself.”

When he was done, a very surprised Simon said, “Richard, you are my hero because that was special. Genuinely special. I think America is going to love you.”

“That was spectacular, that was fun. That was an amazing surprise. I think you were perfect to come to AGT because you made our night,” Sofia Vergara added.

Then Howie Mandel joked, “Maybe because you’ve been doing it for 23 years, but you just cleaned up.” Then more seriously he said, “I imagine any kid that’s ever been in a school with you is just screaming. I just think you’re amazing.”

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When it was Heidi Klum’s turn, she said, “Richard, Richard, Richard, you knocked me off my feet. We all had the best time with you up there on that stage. I really, really feel something when I see you up there and hear you up there. And now, this is what I’m going to do for you because I love you,” and she pushed the Golden Buzzer.

As the confetti rained down, Heidi walked on stage and gave Richard a big hug, saying, “I can’t wait to see what you do next.”

“Oh, my gosh you guys. I’ve never been on a plane. This was not on my radar to come to California. It’s just a dream come true,” an overwhelmed Richard said.

Then Heidi walked him backstage to call his fiancée, who said, “Woo Hoo! Oh, my God. I knew it. I told you.”

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On background, Richard talked about being the kid up in his bedroom with the Radio Shack radio, who used to listen to music and belt it out, singing along with his favorites.

“Eventually, I said, ‘I’ve got to find me a job,’ so I became a janitor at Chauncey Rose Middle School, which is only three blocks from my house. I am not a fancy person. I take out the trash, wipe off the tables, sweep the floors. I’m just having fun and trying to make people happy.”

It was the students who heard Richard sing and reassured him that he’s got talent, which is the reason he got on a plane to come to the America’s Got Talent auditions.

“When I took off from Indianapolis, I felt that front wheel come off the ground and you’re floating,” he said. “You’re no longer stable and that’s what this whole experience is like right now. It’s a good off balance. Until you do something, you don’t know if it’s right for you or not. I’m getting chicken skin talking about it."

America’s Got Talent airs Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. Next day on Peacock.

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