It’s been a long ‘journey’ for an Indiana man who went from high school janitor to million-dollar winner of one of the country’s biggest talent competition. And he owes it all to his rendition of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin”.
Fifty-five year old Richard Goodall said the happy tears haven’t stopped since he earned the coveted golden buzzer during his audition on “America’s Got Talent” and finally, after all of his performances, culminating with another performance of ‘Don’t Stop Believin’ with members of the classic rock band Journey.
And then, in a shower of confetti and cheers, Goodall was crowned Season 19’s winner and got awarded the $1 million prize. He said, making his triumphant return to the West Vigo High School where he works, only added to his win. Coming back home to Terre Haute, IN, Goodall said, meant so much to him. “As far as I go and [my wife] go, this is the first time our life has been unscripted,” Goodall said.
I mean, AGT has not only changed our life, but money aside, the opportunities are kind of endless right now.”
When he got to the high school, he was met with cheers and high-fives from students, staff and alumni who welcomed him home with a pep rally. City officials for Terre Haute even gave him the key to his hometown.
His incredible run on the hit talent show began, Goodall said, with his students pushing him to audition. When he spoke with the kids after winning, he thanked them for all they had done for him.
“You don’t choose TV, TV chooses you,” Goodall said. “Yeah, I had a good story, [but] I’ve been singing to you kids for years and years. At the end of the day, I had enough talent to showcase not just me, but all of you amazing people.”
He made sure to remind them of the world ahead of them, a future that is just beginning. “If I was young like all of you, I’ve got the rest of my life to do many great, wonderful things,” Goodall said. “But, being 55, you have a little bit different perspective. All I can tell you is the best is yet to come.”
Richard Goodall is hugged by America’s Got Talent judge, Heidi Klum, after winning the competition. Photo by NBC
What’s next for Goodall, along with his wife, Angie Vanoven, is still to be determined. But the humble Hoosier janitor had a few plans in the work. “We’re really just waiting to see what happens after the show, any offers that come our way,” Goodall said. “We’ve spotted our eye on a house in Terre Haute. And then, the sky’s the limit after the show.”
But through it all, Goodall said, his path to winning came from never giving up on your dreams. “The song ‘Don’t Stop Believin’ encompasses where I came from. If you don’t stop believing, if you put yourself out there, the possibilities are endless,” he said.
“Take a chance, take that risk and go for it. If you put yourself out of your comfort zone for just a minute, you’ll see the risk is worth the reward,” Goodall said.
