Richard Goodall never expected to become famous. He was a school janitor at Davis Park Elementary in Terre Haute, Indiana, known for his kindness and hard work. But everything changed when he picked up a microphone at the 5th-grade graduation. As he started singing Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’, the room fell silent. His voice was strong and full of emotion, leaving students, parents and teachers in awe.
The school gym was decorated for the celebration, filled with excited kids and proud families. But when Goodall started singing, all eyes were on him. Students, who usually saw him cleaning the hallways, watched in amazement. Parents whispered to each other, surprised by his incredible voice. When he finished the song the crowd cheered. Someone recorded the performance and shared it online, not knowing it would soon go viral.
Richard Goodall Singing at the 5th-grade graduation
The video spread across TikTok and news websites, reaching thousands of people. Even Steve Perry, Journey’s former lead singer, saw it and praised Goodall’s performance. As the attention grew, Goodall stayed humble. He told his students that if they work hard and believe in themselves, they can achieve anything.
His viral fame led him to take a big step—auditioning for America’s Got Talent (AGT). Standing in front of the judges, he sang Don’t Stop Believin’ once again. His performance was so powerful that Heidi Klum hit the Golden Buzzer, sending him straight to the live shows. The audience cheered, and the judges praised his talent and passion.
Richard Goodall Receives THE GOLDEN BUZZER
As the competition continued, Goodall won the hearts of viewers across the country. He gave emotional performances each week, showing that dreams can come true at any age. In the AGT finale, he had a once-in-a-lifetime moment—singing Don’t Stop Believin’ with Journey’s lead guitarist, Neal Schon. The stage lights shined brightly, and the energy in the room was electric. It was a dream come true for Goodall—proving that he had come a long way from singing in a school gym.
Richard Goodall’s story is a reminder that talent can be found anywhere. No matter where you start but believing in yourself can take you far. To follow his journey, check him out on social media.