America’s Got Talent Season 19 made a smashing return on NBC, and it didn’t take long for the show to deliver a heartwarming moment that left everyone in awe.
The season premiere on May 28 introduced Richard Goodall, 55, a down-to-earth janitor from Indiana who embarked on his first-ever flight to pursue his passion. As he nervously took the stage to perform Journey’s classic “Don’t Stop Believin’,” the audience’s supportive applause gave him the boost he needed to start his song.
“I’m not a fancy person,” Richard told host Terry Crews backstage. “I take out the trash, I wipe off the tables, I sweep the floors — I’m just having fun, and I’m trying to make people happy.”
Much to everyone’s surprise, Richard unleashed a deeply moving rendition, earning an immediate standing ovation from both the crowd and the judges.
Following his remarkable performance, each judge shared their praise for Richard’s unforgettable audition.
Simon Cowell expressed, “That was special, genuinely special. I think America is going to love you.”
Sofía Vergara added, “That was spectacular, that was fun. This was an amazing surprise. I think you are perfect to come to AGT because you made our night.”
Howie Mandel, in his signature humor, remarked, “Maybe it’s because you’ve been doing it for 23 years, but you just cleaned up! I would imagine that every kid who’s ever been in a school with you is just screaming.”
While all the judges were full of praise, it was Heidi who stole the show by awarding Richard the coveted Golden Buzzer, propelling him straight to the Season 19 live shows. (Each judge now has two Golden Buzzers for this season).
“Richard, Richard, Richard, you knocked me off my feet!” Klum expressed. “We all had the best time with you up on that stage. I really feel something when I see you up there. This is what I’m going to do for you, because I love you.”
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The jaw-dropping performance not only left the judges and audience in awe but also sparked a new wave of excitement and anticipation for the upcoming season.
Even after the show, Richard, still in disbelief, expressed his astonishment at his Golden Buzzer win, recognizing it as an honor that he never anticipated.
“Golden Buzzer [winners] are an elite group of people. I never in a million years expected to be in that class. And I still can’t believe Heidi did that,” he explained to PEOPLE.
Richard went on to convey an uplifting message about pursuing his aspirations.
“I tried out for AGT in 2009 and didn’t make it past the first round in Chicago…But like the song says, ‘Don’t stop believing.’ How can I tell the kids that and not reach for dreams too?” he shares. “The songs I love to sing are timeless, and they give everyone hope. That’s what I really want to do, just give people hope [and encourage them to] never give up.”
In a world where dreams take flight on the wings of ordinary people, Richard Goodall’s journey from janitor to AGT sensation is a reminder to “never stop believing” in the extraordinary.
Did you know? America’s Got Talent winners do not actually get the full $1 million prize.
Watch Richard Goodall’s America’s Got Talent audition below!