Goodall won over the hearts of America with his singing abilities and humbleness, which he credits to the work he does as a janitor West Vigo Middle School.
“I’m just like anybody else. I probably do one of the most humblest jobs there is,” Goodall said. “When you’re a janitor, a lot of people, not necessarily take you for granted, but you’re the person that’s there behind the scenes that makes sure everything gets done that needs to be done.”
All four judges – Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel and Sofia Vergara – seemed to truly be rooting for Goodall all season long.
“The judges have always been supportive. Simon may have had a minor criticism about the second song, but I knew going from ‘Don’t Stop Believin’ in my audition into another song, that it was gonna be tough. There’s no way I could’ve topped my initial audition,” Goodall said. “The people in the U.K. were saying I was America’s Susan Boyle.”
And in true Richard Goodall fashion, he also thanked the behind-the-scenes crew of “America’s Got Talent.”
“The people behind the scenes have been so amazing to me also. They have so much wisdom and information to give, and I just tried to be a sponge and soak it all in,” Goodall said. “Just like me at the school, they’re the ones that make the magic happen. I connected with them just as much as the judges, if not more.”