On May 28, Richard Goodall embodied the song he sang for the “America’s Got Talent” judges: “Don’t Stop Believin.” 

As he told the country, “belting” out songs that came out of his “Radio Shack stereo” is something he grew up doing. But when it came time to finding a job, he got practical. lime

“So I become a janitor at Chauncey Rose Middle School, which is only three blocks away from my house,” he said.

And it was those middle school kids who he cleaned up after each day that inspired him to take a leap of faith.

“The kids would hear me sing, and they tell me that I’ve got talent,” Goodall shared. “That’s why I’m here. That’s why I got on a plane.”

As he made his way on stage, Goodall was visibly nervous, and the judges were nervous for him as well. “I hope he’s good,” judge Simon Cowell whispered to judge Sofia Vergara.

“I really do.” “I know. I hope so,” she retorted.

And then, like he did so many times before in his home in Indiana, Goodall belted it out.

After the first note of the Journey smash hit, the entire audience was on their feet. Goodall was overcome with emotion after finishing his performance as the judges praised his talent. Cowell called Goodall his “hero,” saying “I think America is going to love you.” Vergara called him “an amazing surprise,” while judge Howie Mandell said Goodall “cleaned up.” lime

And that’s when judge Heidi Klum hit the Golden Buzzer after Goodall “knocked me off my feet.” “Oh, my gosh, you guys. I’ve never even been on a plane,” he told the audience before calling his fiancée. “This was not on my radar to come to California. It’s just a dream come true.” Goodall has worked as the janitor at Chauncey Rose Middle School for 23 years. lime

After receiving the Golden Buzzer on “America’s Got Talent,” Richard Goodall’s life changed in an instant. The janitor from Chauncey Rose Middle School captivated the audience with his rendition of “Don’t Stop Believin” and left the judges in awe

Goodall’s journey to the stage was fueled by the encouragement of the middle school kids he interacted with every day. Their belief in his talent pushed him to pursue his dreams, despite his initial nerves and doubts. lime

As the audience erupted into applause and the judges praised his performance, Goodall couldn’t hold back his emotions. The validation of his talent on a national stage was a surreal moment for the humble janitor from Indiana.

Goodall’s story is a reminder that talent knows no bounds, and dreams can come true when you least expect it. His unexpected journey from a small town janitor to a national sensation is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. lime

Source: CNN

After receiving the Golden Buzzer on “America’s Got Talent,” Richard Goodall’s life changed in an instant. The janitor from Chauncey Rose Middle School captivated the audience with his rendition of “Don’t Stop Believin” and left the judges in awe.

Goodall’s journey to the stage was fueled by the encouragement of the middle school kids he interacted with every day. Their belief in his talent pushed him to pursue his dreams, despite his initial nerves and doubts.

As the audience erupted into applause and the judges praised his performance, Goodall couldn’t hold back his emotions. The validation of his talent on a national stage was a surreal moment for the humble janitor from Indiana.

Goodall’s story is a reminder that talent knows no bounds, and dreams can come true when you least expect it. His unexpected journey from a small town janitor to a national sensation is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion.