America's favorite golden-voiced school janitor, Richard Goodall, brought tears to "America's Got Talent" judge Sofia Vergara's eyes with his soulful rendition of a famous Michael Bolton song for the show's quarterfinals.
Dedicated to his fiancé, the 55-year-old contestant from Terre Haute, Indiana, performed "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" by Michael Bolton, hitting all the emotional notes of the ballad about surviving a partner, on Aug. 13. His set was complete with a smoke machine and dramatic lighting that complimented the ballad.
Goodall first won over hearts when he took home a Golden Buzzer in the May 28 episode of the show for his incredible performance of “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey. At that time, Goodall said he was nervous, and two of the judges referenced his past performance when providing feedback on his quarterfinals cover.
"I don't know what it is with you, Richard, but I just have a really soft, soft spot for you in my heart. I think you're incredible. I felt your nerves a little bit today, but I also feel the passion that you have when you sing, with every syllable that you sing," judge Heidi Klum said before wishing him luck in advancing.
Judge Simon Cowell added, "Do you now start believing in yourself, because I really hope so?," to which Goodall responded, "Yes."
Despite calling Goodall's song selection, "too old fashion," Cowell called the singer "one of the most memorable contestants we've had for a long, long time."
"And if you make it through, you really do have a shot of winning this whole competition," Cowell said.
The results for who advances beyond quarterfinals will be revealed Aug. 14.
Richard Goodall journey from middle school janitor to 'AGT' star
Goodall, who's been a middle school janitor for 23 years, said he grew up listening to music on the radio before eventually taking a job as a janitor just three blocks from his house.
"The kids would hear me sing, and they tell me that I've got talent," he said on the May 28 episode. "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 feeling he gets from 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.”
The judges wondered the same thing.
"I hope he's good," Cowell whispered to Vergara before the performance started. "I really do."
"I know. I hope so," she replied.
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.
Goodall ended up receiving a standing ovation after he finished singing.
In his May 28 review, Cowell called Goodall his "hero" and said the janitor gave a "special" performance tonight.
"I think America is going to love you," he said.
Vergara also raved about Goodall's talent and said it was "spectacular."
"That was fun. This was an amazing surprise," she said. "I think you were perfect to come to 'AGT,' because you made our night."
Mandell said, "You, and maybe because you've been doing it for 23 years, but you just cleaned up."
"I would imagine that every kid that has ever been in a school with you is just screaming," he continued. "I just think you're amazing."
Things only got better for Goodall when Klum shared her thoughts about his vocal skills.
"Richard, Richard, Richard, you knocked me off my feet," she said. "I mean, we all had the best time with you up there on that stage. I really, really feel something when I see you up there and hear you up there, and now this is what I'm going to do for you because I love you."
Klum proceeded to press the Golden Buzzer, which sends a contestant directly through to the live shows, and the entire studio audience stood up to cheer, causing Goodall to shed a couple of tears as golden confetti came down around him.
“Oh, my gosh, you guys. I’ve never even been on a plane,” he said. “This was not on my radar to come to California. It’s just a dream come true.”
In the YouTube comments section on the video of Goodall's performance, people said they noticed Goodall from his years working as a janitor.
“I can’t express with words how lucky I feel to be able to say that I am one of the kids who always told him how amazing his voice is,” one person shared online. “My favorite part of walking through the hallway of Elementary school is hearing this phenomenon. Richard, you are indeed a true hero.”
Another said, “He is the janitor at my twins school, West Vigo. They were screaming and crying tears of happiness for Mr. Richard last night with their friends, I was right there with them, as was the entire Vigo County community! We are SO excited for him! It couldn’t happen for a more humble and kind man, he is so deserving of this. Can’t wait for America to see what we Hautian peeps have had the pleasure of seeing for two decades. LETS GO MR RICHARD.”
