After winning Season 19 of America’s Got Talent last week, Richard Goodall took home the $1 million prize and the hearts of the nation, but none of it would have been possible without his wife, Angie Vanoven.
After winning AGT last Tuesday, September 24, the singing school janitor from Terre Haute, Indiana, spoke with NBC Insider and revealed that he nearly skipped the audition process. Goodall did, however, choose to take the chance after receiving some motivation from Angie, whom he married a few days prior to the AGT finale.
It was a culmination at my age. After the children and then Ang… About his choice to try out for AGT, Goodall said. “TV chooses you; you don’t choose TV. And Ang told them to leave when they came calling.
Angie not only talked Goodall into flying for the first time to the AGT audition, but she also predicted that he would succeed.
“You’re going to get a Golden Buzzer, you know that?” she said to me prior to me boarding the aircraft. Goodall remembered. “Yeah, right,” I responded. So all I was going to do was hop on a plane, belt out a tune, and head back home with a memento of a cute little YouTube video. Next, take a closer look at me!
Angie was right when she predicted that Goodall would win Heidi Klum’s Golden Buzzer for his incredible performance of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Then, thanks to American votes, he continued competing until the grand finale, when he and Journey guitarist Neal Schon reprised the band’s signature song.
“With everyone here, I had an incredible time, and if anyone is considering [auditioning] and feels they have even a tiny bit of talent, try it!” According to Goodall.
Finally, he said, “I mean, look at me, I’m going to be 55 in October. I would have called you crazy six months ago, but now look at me. Simply put, it was because Ang told you to “get on that plane and make it happen.” Don’t, however, undervalue yourself. Give it a go, at the absolute least. Be the person who never says, “Well, I could have done this, but I didn’t.” Take the field goal. What stand to lose, if anything?
Goodall is humble and has even gone back to his day job as a school janitor earlier this week, in spite of his success and recent notoriety. He sent out a message on Wednesday, October 2, informing his Facebook followers that today is “National Custodian Day.”
“In case no one was aware of this! Thank them, please! Through Richard,” he penned.
“I appreciate everything you have ever done for the school. Hugs,” a respondent said.
When I was a teacher, I would always start by becoming friends with the custodian. We value the work you’ve done! Another person said, “Happy Custodian’s Day, Mr. Richard.”
“Custodians are the backbone of the school system,” said an additional person. I appreciate everything you do.
“Happy Custodian Day, Richard. You are such a beautiful soul, and I hope this life brings you everything you desire and more with your lovely wife,” another person commented.
