Richard Goodall was 55 years old when he decided to take a chance on a dream.
For 23 years, he had worked as a school custodian in Terre Haute, Indiana.
While cleaning empty hallways and doing his daily work, Richard would often sing to himself.
But he never imagined that one day millions of people would hear that voice.
To audition for America’s Got Talent, Richard flew on an airplane for the very first time in his life.
When he arrived in Los Angeles, he was visibly nervous.
Then the music started.
Richard chose Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey.
The first notes immediately caught the audience’s attention.
Then his voice grew stronger.
What came out of the school custodian was a powerful rock voice that sounded completely different from the shy man who had walked onto the stage.
The audience exploded.
The judges couldn’t believe it.
Heidi Klum was so impressed that she slammed the Golden Buzzer.
Golden confetti filled the stage as Richard stood there in complete disbelief.
The man who had spent decades cleaning school corridors had suddenly become one of America’s favorite contestants.
He continued his journey with songs including How Am I Supposed to Live Without You, Eye of the Tiger, and Faithfully.
Then came the moment he had dreamed about.
In the finale, Richard performed alongside members of Journey, including legendary guitarist Neal Schon.
His journey eventually ended with him becoming the winner of America’s Got Talent Season 19 and taking home the $1 million prize.
Sometimes, the world overlooks someone for years…
Until one moment gives them the chance to show everyone who they really are.
