America’s Got Talent 2024: Custodian Richard Goodall never stopped “Believin” as Heidi Klum picked him as a Golden Buzzer
America’s Got Talent Season 19 kicked off on Tuesday night with TWO contestants receiving Golden Buzzers, including singer, and elementary school custodian, Richard Goodall.
This season, each of the judges Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, and Sofia Vergara get two Golden Buzzers, while host Terry Crews gives out one. The night saw both Terry and Heidi giving out a buzzer. (Read Our Recap)
Notably, Heidi’s buzzer, an amateur singer, closed the show with a rousing rendition of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing.” The singer works as a custodian at an elementary school close to where he lives.
Richard is in awe to be there as he sees the cameras and stage. He is a 55-year-old from Terre Haute, Indiana, and has lived there his whole life. He recalls his Radio Shack radio that he listened to music on while growing up. A janitor at a middle school near his house, Richard says, “I am not a fancy person” adding, “the kids would hear me sing, and they would tell me that I’ve got talent.”
As he meets the judges, he tells them he has been a janitor for 23 years and that his dream is that he likes to sing. Only his close friends and fiancee know that he has auditioned. He introduces his song, saying that it “speaks for itself”. As he nervously opens his mouth, a big booming voice comes out. His sound is reminiscent of Steve Perry. It’s not per say a unique cover of the song, but it is a stellar vocal with great technique. He hits all the notes with ease. Mid-performance, Heidi exclaims “so amazing!” I’m curious to find out if his voice always has this type of tone or if it is imitative.
Heidi says, “This is what I’m going to do for you because I love you”
The judges stand and the crowd applauds Richard. Simon calls the performance “genuinely special.” Sofia says, “I think you were perfect to come to AGT because you made our night.” Howie says, “you just cleaned up,” continuing, “I imagine every kid that has been in a school with you is just screaming.”
Next, Heidi declares, “you knocked me off my feet,” adding, “I really, really feel something when I see you and hear you up there, and now this is what I’m going to do for you because I love you.” She hits her Golden Buzzer which guarantees we will see Richard in the live shows. The confetti falls and Heidi and Richard share the moment together on stage. She says, “I can’t wait to see what you sing next.” Richard is in shock as he says, “I have never even been on a plane.” He calls his fiancee and shares the good news.
Richard wasn’t the only Golden Buzzer of the night as Terry Crews rewarded Zimbabwean comedian Learnmore Jonasi with one with his professional and entertaining comedic performance. Other acts that stood out e were contortionist dancer Arshiya’s horrific routine and magician Sam Huang’s mind boggling missing finger routine. I also found Baby Dev’s act adorable, and impressive to do at the age of two.
