Without his wife, Angie Vanoven, Richard Goodall would not have been able to earn the $1 million award and the hearts of the country after winning Season 19 of America’s Got Talent last week.
The Terre Haute, Indiana, singing school janitor who won AGT last Tuesday, September 24, told NBC Insider that he almost skipped the audition process. But after getting some encouragement from Angie, whom he married a few days before the AGT finale, Goodall decided to take the chance.
At my age, it was a culmination. Following the kids, followed by Ang Goodall spoke about his decision to try out for AGT. You don’t select TV; it chooses you. And when they called, Ang urged them to go out.
Goodall’s success was anticipated by Angie, who also persuaded him to fly to the AGT audition for the first time.
She told me before I boarded the plane, “You know you’re going to get a Golden Buzzer?” Goodall recalled. “That’s correct,” I said. I only intended to board an aircraft, sing along, and return home with a souvenir of a cute little YouTube video. Then look at me more closely!
Angie was correct when she said that Goodall’s amazing rendition of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin'” would get him Heidi Klum’s Golden Buzzer. He then proceeded to compete until the grand finale, where he and Journey guitarist Neal Schon performed the band’s iconic song once more, due to American votes.
“I had a great time with everyone here, and if anyone is thinking about [auditioning] and thinks they have even a small amount of talent, give it a shot!” As said by Goodall.
“Look at me, I’m going to be 55 in October,” he finally said. Six months ago, I would have labeled you crazy, but now look at me. It was just because you were told to “get on that plane and make it happen” by Ang. But don’t underestimate yourself. If nothing else, give it a shot. “Well, I could have done this, but I didn’t” is something you should never say. Consider the field goal. What, if anything, is at risk?
Despite his accomplishments and new fame, Goodall is modest and even returned to his day job as a school janitor earlier this week. On Wednesday, October 2, he announced to his Facebook followers that it was “National Custodian Day.”
Just in case nobody knew about this! Please give them thanks! By way of Richard,” he wrote.
“I am grateful for all of your contributions to the school. One respondent answered, “Husbands.”
I always started by making friends with the custodian when I was a teacher. We appreciate all of your hard work! “Happy Custodian’s Day, Mr. Richard,” remarked another.
Another person stated that custodians are the foundation of the educational system. Thank you for everything.
Richard, happy Custodian Day. Another reader wrote, “You are such a beautiful soul, and I hope this life brings you everything you desire and more with your lovely wife.”
