Terre Haute’s singing janitor, Richard Goodall, brought down the house again, both in Pasadena and Terre Haute, with a moving rendition of Journey’s “Faithfully” during “America’s Got Talent” finals Tuesday night.
As he finished, a crowd of about 75 people gave him a standing ovation and loudly cheered their approval during a watch party at the Terre Haute Convention Center.
At the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, the audience had a similar response, nearly drowning out judges comments.
“AGT” judge Heidi Klum told him, “I want you to win this so bad, Richard.”
Simon Cowell told Goodall, “You are our hero,” while Howie Mandel declared, “I think you just sang yourself $1 million.”
Show host Terry Crews asked Goodall how “AGT” has changed his life, and he said, “In so many ways … Thank you America. Thank you Terre Haute, Indiana. Midwest America, thank you all. I love you.” He made a heart shape with his hands.
The West Vigo Middle School custodian was among 10 acts competing for a $1 million prize.
The results, based solely on fan votes, will be announced next Tuesday. Voting is until 7 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18.
Viewers are able to vote for their favorite act at NBC.com/AGTVote and via the “AGT” App.
Next Tuesday, “AGT” finalists “will be joined by a star-studded lineup of guest performances,” according to NBC.com.
Those scheduled to appear include Simone Biles & the Gold Over America Tour; Michael Bublé, Season 16 Coach of The Voice; and guitarist Neal Schon and other members of Journey.
Among those at Tuesday’s watch party was Alberto Duran and wife Donna Southard. They moved to the area from Texas last November.
“We’re just happy to see a local celebrity get all the attention that he deserves. We just love the guy,” Duran said. “We wish him the best.”
Also in the audience was Mike, Debbie and Kimmie Collins, who had their own special cheer every time Goodall came on the large TV screen.
“We’re excited about Richard,” Mike Collins said. “We wanted to support him. It’s so cool it’s a local guy. It’s such a great story.”
Mayor Brandon Sakbun also was in the audience.
“We’re very excited for Richard. Not just the Wabash Valley, but really, the Hoosier state, the entire Midwest, if not the entire nation. It’s an inspiration — who he is, what he stands for. He’s just a humble, honest and genuine guy,” Sakbun said.
Vigo County School Corp. Superintendent Chris Himsel was also in the audience. “We are proud of Richard. We are proud to have him be a member of Team Vigo. And we believe in him. We’re excited to be here, and our kids are excited to cheer him on,” as is the community.
Sitting close to the large screen was Lynetta Horsley of Marshall, Illinois, who went to school with Goodall’s fiancee, Angie Vanoven.
“I just wanted to support him and vote for him,” she said. “He deserves it. He’s wonderful.”
On Monday, Goodall said, “I am so grateful to be this far, and no matter what happens, I’m already a winner.”
He also said he was “excited and confident going into the finals. I am having the time of my life.”
The Terre Haute community has been united in its strong support for Goodall. Different organizations posted pictures on social media wishing him good luck, while signs outside several businesses also provided words of encouragement.
The Vigo County School Corp. posted a video of Rio Grande Elementary students lining the halls and holding pictures and signs, many saying, “Go Richard.”
A West Vigo Middle School outdoor sign read, “Your homework assignment is to vote, vote, vote!!! Richard #AGT.
Goodall was one of six semifinalists to advance to the finals after Wednesday’s live show, thanks to votes by the national viewing public. Four other performers advanced to finals as live show Golden Buzzer recipients.
Tuesday’s watch party was hosted by WTWO-TV 2 and the city of Terre Haute.
Goodall has been a custodian with the Vigo County School Corp. for more than two decades.
