Tears ran down his face when it was revealed that 55-year-old school janitor Richard Goodall won Season 19 of America’s Got Talent. Those happy tears haven’t stopped since — especially during his return to the school where he works!
In wholesome footage captured by the Indiana-based WTHR news team, Goodall made his triumphant return to West Vigo High School on September 27. Students, staff, and alumni gave the singing sensation a hero’s welcome during a pep rally the janitor will never forget.
Goodall was in tears for most of the visit as his students showered him with cheers and high-fives at every turn. City officials even awarded him the key to his hometown of Terre Haute, Indiana.
The highlight of his visit has to be walking the halls of the school for the first time not as a janitor — but as an AGT winner and America’s newest millionaire. Unsurprisingly, Goodall couldn’t help but become emotional in words to the local news.
“As far as I go and [my wife] go, this is the first time our life has been unscripted,” Goodall explained to WTHR. “I mean, AGT has not only changed our life, but money aside, the opportunities are kind of endless right now.”