Here is the inspiring story. Richard Goodall, a janitor from Terre Haute, Indiana, received the highly coveted Golden Buzzer for his incredible performance of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Before taking the stage, Goodall shared a bit of his life story.
Growing up, he enjoyed listening to music in his bedroom with his “Radio Shack stereo.” “I just belted it out,” he said. “Eventually, I realized I needed a job, so I became a janitor at Chauncey Rose Middle School, which is only three blocks away from my house.”
“The kids would hear me sing, and they told me that I had talent,” he explained. “That’s why I’m here. That’s why I got on a plane.”
Goodall compared the feeling of being on the show to the unstable sensation of flying. “I felt that front wheel come off the ground and you have this floating feeling, you’re no longer stable. And that’s what this whole experience is like right now,” he said. “It’s a good off-balance, but until you actually do something, you don’t know if it’s right for you or not.”
Onstage, Goodall admitted to the judges and the crowd that he was a bit nervous, explaining that he’s been a janitor for 23 years and is 55 years old. However, when Goodall started singing, he completely blew away the audience and the judges. Cowell’s jaw dropped after Goodall belted out an incredible first note.
At one point, Heidi Klum looked to her fellow judge Howie Mandell and said, “So amazing!” Goodall ended up receiving a standing ovation after he finished singing.
Goodall’s performance did more than win him a golden buzzer; it inspired millions of viewers. His story and his music touched hearts and ignited hope. In life, we have the power to inspire others through our actions and achievements. By pursuing our dreams and overcoming our struggles, we can motivate those around us to do the same.