Who is Richard Goodall? 'Singing janitor' wishes to kickstart music career with second 'AGT' Season 19 audition
VIGO COUNTY, INDIANA: With his performance on 'America's Got Talent'(AGT) Season 19, Richard Goodall, the famous 'singing janitor', is fulfilling a childhood dream. The event "was surreal", according to Richard, whose version of Journey's 'Don't Stop Believin' during a year-end program at Davis Park Elementary School, where he worked, went viral in the summer of 2022.
In 2009, Richard attended an open audition for 'AGT' in Chicago, but he didn't make it past the first round. This time, the procedure involved uploading a video audition online, which was followed by a Zoom call and interview.
"The TikTok video helped out quite a bit, too," he stated. At last, he got the word that he was going to 'AGT' in Pasadena.
"It wasn't real to me until they actually scheduled my flight," said the man. He was given a five-day, fully-funded vacation in Pasadena to attend the show's audition.
Richard Goodall cried after his 'AGT' audition
Richard gave a performance in front of Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, Simon Cowell, and Sofia Vergara. He informed that Simon had interviewed him.
In a brief video ad for the May 28 show, Richard is heard saying, "The kids call me Mr Richard ... I've been a janitor for 23 years."
Regarding the marketing, he adds, "To me, it's not about the money, it's about the people."
"That has America's Got Talent written all over it," remarks Sofia. Richard was performing for a sizable, enthusiastic crowd.
He said that getting ready to perform on stage made him feel enthusiastic, "When they hand me that microphone, it's like flipping a switch," he added.
But as soon as he crossed the stage, he began stroking his chest in an attempt to maintain his composure. Upon seeing him, the judges inquired about his well-being.
Indeed, Richard said to them, "Yeah, it's just been a long time coming."
He gave the backroom crew high marks. "They are just as amazing as the people out front," he stated.
What was the result of his audition, then? Richard says you'll have to watch the episode to find out. "I cried at the end."
What does 'AGT' Season 19 Richard Goodall do for work?
Although he has long wished to be on the program, the modest West Vigo Middle School custodian notes, "I'm still a janitor... living on a budget."
He looks after Davis Park Elementary School's custodial needs. He has worked for the Vigo County School Corporation for more than twenty years.
Whatever the result, he had a once-in-a lifetime experience. Prior to his 'AGT' experience, he remarked, "I've never been west of Missouri, and I've never been on an airplane".
Additionally, Richard now gets the chance to demonstrate his talent to a national audience.
Richard Goodall was turned down on 'The Voice'
Richard conducted a virtual audition for the TV program 'The Voice' following his viral success. Richard attempted to sing 'Don't Stop Believin' again during the show, but he was rejected.
His viral stardom was like riding a roller coaster, he said. Richard is going to keep working as a janitor at Davis Park until something else comes along.
For most of his life, Richard has been singing. He was a member of the high school chorus.
Before the gospel choir disbanded during the coronavirus outbreak, he sang in it for eight years. Richard mentioned that the reason he enjoys singing so much is that it makes others happy.
Steve Perry gave a shoutout to 'AGT' Season 19 singer Richard Goodall
A video of Richard's performance was uploaded on TikTok by Mariah Denehie, a teacher at Davis Park who deals with a child who has special needs, Richard said. Richard knew Mariah was shooting a video or taking pictures because he noticed her pointing her phone at him while he was singing.
Richard was washing and waxing the school floors the following day when Mariah informed Goodall that she had uploaded a video of him on TikTok. By then, 107,000 people had watched the video.
The video received over 3 million views in a matter of weeks. Richard had no idea he would become well-known.
Steve Perry, a former Journey lead vocalist who co-wrote 'Don't Stop Believin', saw and heard the footage. On June 29, 2022, Steve posted a comment on X in response to the video, saying, "I love this."
Richard released the video on his own profile on TikTok, where Steve also expressed the same observation. In response, Richard said, "Love your music sir!!! Thank you for commenting this means much to me!!! Thank you."
Season 19 of 'America's Got Talent' premieres Tuesday, May 28 at 8/7c on NBC and the next day on Peacock.