Richard Goodall, a self-proclaimed “singing janitor” from Terre Haute, Indiana, captured the hearts of audiences as the winner of Season 19 of “America’s Got Talent.” His journey on the show culminated in an exhilarating finale, where he triumphed over nine other talented finalists, including Tanzanian acrobats and a Zimbabwean comedian. Securing Heidi Klum’s coveted Golden Buzzer early in the competition set the stage for his remarkable run. In a nail-biting conclusion, he emerged victorious against a dog-performing duo from Israel, walking away with an impressive $1 million prize. Goodall celebrated his victory by taking the stage with Journey’s co-founder Neal Schon, performing “Don’t Stop Believin’,” the very song that first showcased his vocal prowess during auditions. Here are seven captivating facts about this inspiring talent.
- A Life of Service: At 55 years old, Goodall has dedicated over 23 years to serving as an elementary school janitor in a Western Indiana school district. His love for music often fills the halls, where he can frequently be heard singing while he works. This unique combination of service and art reflects his commitment to both his job and his passion for music.
- Finding Strength in Music: Goodall’s journey through life took a significant turn in 2021 when he lost his wife, Patty, to cancer. The grief of losing a long-time partner created a void in his life, and he struggled to rediscover his identity without her. He spoke candidly about this experience, stating, “When you’re married for so long and they pass away, your biggest concern is figuring out who you are without them.” Music became a vital bridge for him, helping to fill the emptiness left behind and reconnecting him to his passion.
- The Push to Audition: Encouraged by his students, who often complimented his singing abilities, Goodall finally decided to take a leap of faith. He boarded a plane for the first time to audition for “America’s Got Talent,” a bold step that would change his life. This moment marked the beginning of a new chapter, showing how the encouragement of others can inspire us to pursue our dreams.
- Recent Marriage Celebration: In a heartwarming turn of events, Goodall tied the knot with his fiancée, Angie Vanoven, just a week before the AGT finale. The couple celebrated their union with friends and family, including his AGT family, who witnessed their special day. They announced their new names together, becoming Richard and Angela VanGoodall, symbolizing a fresh start for Goodall as he navigated both his personal and professional life.
- Going Viral: Goodall’s talent was showcased beyond AGT when he performed “Don’t Stop Believin'” at his students’ graduation in 2022. The performance was recorded and shared on TikTok, where it quickly went viral, amassing over 3 million views. The clip even caught the attention of Journey, who shared it on their official account, and he received a supportive comment from former frontman Steve Perry. This moment exemplified the power of social media in amplifying talent and connecting artists with their idols.
- Musical Aspirations: In addition to his AGT triumph, Goodall is the lead singer of a band called ManOpause. The band is known for performing a range of classic and contemporary rock anthems that resonate with audiences. This role allows Goodall to continue pursuing his passion for music outside of the television spotlight, showing that his journey is about more than just a single competition win.
- Plans for the Future: Following his impressive victory, Goodall has clear plans for the $1 million prize. He expressed a desire to purchase a double-wide trailer and relocate to a senior living community in Florida, where he hopes to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle. Emphasizing his down-to-earth nature, he remarked, “I’m not a fancy person,” looking forward to spending time enjoying simple pleasures, including pasta and seafood dinners.
Richard Goodall’s story is a testament to resilience, passion, and the transformative power of music. His journey from a janitor to a celebrated talent on a national stage inspires many, demonstrating that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.
