I’m Indiana Through and Through”: School Janitor Emerges from the Shadows to Spotlight with ‘America’s Got Talent’ Appearance

At Vigo County Schools, he’s known as Mr. Richard. For 23 years, Richard Goodall’s summer job was typically quiet and solitary — but this summer has been anything but ordinary.

Richard Goodall, the Terre Haute school janitor who wowed audiences with his “America’s Got Talent” audition, has become a national sensation. On the Aug. 14 episode of AGT, Goodall was selected as a semifinalist.

“I’m Indiana, through and through,” Goodall told 13News. “I’ve lived in Indiana all my life, so I’m a Hoosier.”

While Goodall is a familiar face at Vigo County Schools, this summer has brought a dramatic change. From his routine job, he’s now stepped into the limelight thanks to his AGT performance.

Goodall’s first trip west of Missouri turned out to be a life-changer. He delivered a memorable performance of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” on AGT, earning a golden buzzer from Judge Heidi Klum that propelled him to the semifinals.

“Never in a million years did I expect Heidi to do what she did,” Goodall said. “Never. Not even remotely.”

This big break came after a teacher recorded Goodall at a school talent show years ago and posted it on TikTok, where it went viral. The video attracted millions of views, including from Journey and Steve Perry, who commented on it. Howie Mandel also shared it on his TikTok, suggesting Goodall should be on AGT. Soon after, a senior producer from the show reached out, asking if he was interested in being on the show.

“Everything was organic,” Goodall said. “There was nothing orchestrated.”

That was a yes, and Goodall boarded his first flight to Los Angeles — his first trip west of Missouri — and hit all the right notes.

“I understood the assignment,” Goodall said.

Now, he faces a new challenge.

“You sang the biggest song in the world, you got a golden buzzer. What’s next, Richard?” Goodall mused.

He’s got plans and is immersing himself in a library of music while he works.

“The songs I have in mind are aligning with the theme,” Goodall said. “It’s not just about the vocal performance. It’s about the message behind it.”

Goodall aims to inspire, and he’s already making an impact. “Don’t Stop Believin’” has become the theme for the new school year.

Watch parties are in the works for his return to the stage, timed with the start of school.

“I’m just going to be myself and try to knock it out of the park like I did last time,” Goodall said.

In Tuesday’s show, Goodall performed Michael Bolton’s “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You.” While Simon Cowell wasn’t a fan of the song choice, he acknowledged Goodall’s potential to win the whole competition.

“America’s Got Talent” airs Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET on WTHR.