Janitor's Journey to Fame: America's Got Talent's Golden Buzzer Winner

Richard Goodall, a janitor for 23 years, received the Golden Buzzer on "America's Got Talent" for his powerhouse vocals, capturing the hearts of judges and viewers alike.

As Richard Goodall, a 55-year-old janitor, stood on the stage of "America's Got Talent," nerves surged through him. He had just delivered a stirring rendition of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'," but his mind raced with uncertainty, wondering if he had truly impressed the esteemed judges.

To his astonishment, Goodall's performance was met with a thunderous standing ovation and a coveted Golden Buzzer from judge Heidi Klum. In that instant, Goodall's life transformed forever, propelling him from a janitor's closet to the bright lights of national television.

"Nowhere, even remotely, could I ever have imagined what happened, happened," Goodall told Fox News Digital, his voice still brimming with disbelief.

The Golden Buzzer, a rare honor bestowed on only one contestant per season, propelled Goodall directly to the live shows, bypassing the arduous audition rounds. "When she pushed that buzzer, there was a huge a loud boom," Goodall recalled. "I looked up and my mouth open up... I didn't have really anything going on my mind. I was just like, I made it through, I made it through."

Growing up, Goodall's passion for music had taken a backseat to his responsibilities as a husband and father. But as he shared his talent with the students at his school in Terra Haute, Indiana, he realized that his voice had the power to inspire.

"I started singing for students at my school for years, but started to gain some attention on social media before landing on 'AGT,'" Goodall said.

His humble performances, captured on video, soon caught the attention of "AGT" producers. After several years of waiting, Goodall's dream finally came to fruition. "I'm happy with the saucer," Goodall said metaphorically. "If you hand me the plate, I will do my best to make everybody proud."

Beyond the potential for financial success, Goodall's newfound platform provides him with an opportunity to amplify his message of kindness and respect. "Being a janitor or a custodian, you have a certain platform," Goodall explained. "The kids love you. You love them... As a custodian, janitor, I would teach them the small things... 'Yes, sir.' 'No, sir.' 'Please.' 'Thank you.'"

These seemingly insignificant gestures, Goodall believes, hold the power to transform lives. "Those are the small things," he said. "And I'm not a teacher. But you can teach people small things that would help in life and those things are immeasurable."

As Goodall embarks on this new chapter, he remains rooted in his humble beginnings. "I'm just me," he said. "I'm not doing anything differently any other day that I've done it and just getting this attention and recognition and it's not overwhelming to me."