“America’s Got Talent” winner Richard Goodall never lost faith in himself, and that belief ultimately paid off when he was crowned the winner for his rendition of Journey’s hit song “Don’t Stop Believin’.”
In an interview, the singing janitor expressed his excitement at fulfilling a long-held dream, as the band Journey themselves joined him for his final performance.
“There’s a bucket list, and then there’s a bucket list on top of the shelf that you never even dreamed existed,” Goodall said in awe. “I got to touch the top shelf bucket list.”
Goodall shared how honored he felt to win the competition, adding that it was just one of many incredible life milestones he’s recently experienced, including getting married and winning the show’s million-dollar prize.
Speaking fondly of his wife, whom he called an “absolutely amazing woman” and his biggest supporter, Goodall revealed his optimistic outlook on the future.
“Sky’s the limit,” he told. “I had no expectations going into the auditions, and the same goes for the finals. I just gave it my all and left everything on the stage.”
Goodall’s winning performance of “Don’t Stop Believin’” earned him the top prize on “America’s Got Talent.” After his victory, he posed proudly with the show’s hosts Howie Mandel, Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara, and Terry Crews, holding up the card declaring him the champion.
Despite his newfound fame, Goodall plans to return to his job as a janitor “for a while.” Heidi Klum, one of the show’s judges, predicted that he would receive the “biggest welcoming party” when he returned to the school where he works.
Earlier in the season, Klum had pressed the coveted Golden Buzzer for Goodall, sending him straight through to the live shows.
Beaming with pride, the German supermodel expressed her joy that her Golden Buzzer choice went on to win the entire competition.
“We won, we won!” Klum excitedly told. “You push the Golden Buzzer for someone you believe in… and I believed in him. I fell in love with him right away. He just melted my heart.”
Fellow judge Howie Mandel also praised Goodall’s victory, telling, “America never gets it wrong. They got it right.”
Reflecting on the significance of Goodall’s win, Mandel added, “It’s life-changing… Now he’s performing on the biggest stage in the world with Journey. Not only does he feel great, but it makes everyone watching feel great, too.”
During his auditions, Goodall had shared how the kids at his school would often hear him sing and encouraged him, calling him talented—an inspiration that ultimately led him to join the show.
