Richard Goodall, the “Singing Janitor,” Wins America’s Got Talent

“America’s Got Talent” has crowned its newest champion. Richard Goodall, the paperboy-hat-wearing janitor from Indiana, who captivated audiences with his heartfelt audition of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’,” emerged as the season’s winner during Tuesday night’s finale. His audition not only went viral but also earned him Heidi Klum’s coveted Golden Buzzer.

Goodall’s powerful voice beat out a diverse group of finalists, including the gravity-defying Tanzanian acrobats Hakuna Matata Acrobats, Zimbabwean comedian Learnmore Jonasi, and the Japanese dance group AIRFOOTWORKS. One of the most anticipated moments of the night came when Journey’s Neal Schon joined Goodall on stage for a duet of the song that started it all, “Don’t Stop Believin’.”

Throughout the competition, Goodall won the hearts of America with performances of classic hits like Michael Bolton’s “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You,” Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger,” and Journey’s “Faithfully.” The final showdown came down to Goodall and a dog act from Israel, Roni Sagi and Rhythm, with the “singing janitor” ultimately taking home the top prize.

Picture credit: USA Today