TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — Tuesday was another big night for Richard Goodall, the school janitor from Terre Haute who stole the show on “America’s Got Talent” this past spring.
Goodall told 13News he has spent the summer getting ready for the new school year – and a return to a national stage.
“I’m Indiana, through and through,” Goodall said. “I’ve lived in Indiana all my life, so I’m a Hoosier.”
At Vigo County Schools, he’s known as Mr. Richard. For 23 years he’s found his job quiet and solitary in the summer. But not this summer.
Mr. Richard, a familiar fixture, is now famous. He’s emerging from the shadows to the spotlight because of his “America’s Got Talent” audition.
Richard nailed a Journey song on AGT. Judge Heidi Klum gave him a guarantee: a golden buzzer, advancing him to the semifinals.
“Never in a million years did I expect Heidi to do what she did,” said Goodall. “Never. Not even remotely.”
It’s a big break that came after teacher recorded Goodall at a school talent show years ago and put it on TikTok. Millions watched.
“Everything was organic,” said Goodall. “There was nothing orchestrated. And then when it got to about three million, Journey and then Steve Perry and commented on it. And then Howie, he posted me on his TikTok and it said ‘needs to be on AGT’ and then next thing I know, one of the senior producers messages and says ‘are you interested in being on the show?’”
That was a yes, and Goodall took his first flight to Los Angeles – his first trip west of Missouri – and he hit the high notes.
“I understood the assignment,” said Goodall.
And now he has a new assignment.
“You sang the biggest song in the world, you got a golden buzzer. What next, Richard? Goodall said.
He’s got ideas, and he’s listening to a library of music while he works.
“The songs I have in mind are going with the theme,” said Goodall. “It’s not just the vocal. Its the message that goes along with it.”
He wants to inspire, and so far he has. “Don’t Stop Believing” is the theme for the new school year.
Watch parties are planned as he returns to the stage on the first week of school.
“I’m just gonna be me and try to knock it out of the park like I did last time,” said Goodall.
And as for Tuesday’s show, there were rave reviews for Goodall. He sang Michael Bolton’s “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You.”
The song choice wasn’t Simon Cowell’s favorite, but it didn’t stop the judge from telling Goodall he had a chance to win the whole show.
