Richard Goodall might’ve saved the best to last, as the 55-year-old singer competed in the finals of America’s Got Talent.
The AGT season 19 fan-favorite, Goodall stood and delivered a cover of Journey’s 1983 song “Faithfully,” a Billboard Hot 100 hit lifted from the Rock Hall-inducted band’s album Frontiers.
Wearing an all-black ensemble, with a black flat-cap, Goodall belted out the ballad, with support from a full band — and nailed all the high-notes.
As his performance came to a close, Goodall was saluted with a standing ovation from the entire room, including the four judges.
“You are such an amazing man, you are so humble, you’re so kind,” Heidi Klum remarked. “You’re also a little bit quiet, but not when you’re behind the microphone. Then you’re a big rockstar.” She added, “I want you to win this so bad, Richard.”
Simon Cowell weighed in, “I could feel the energy behind me. Honestly, from the minute you came on the show.” We all “need a hero right now and you are our hero.”
Howie Mandel made a bold prediction: “I think you just sang yourself $1 million”.
During the semifinals, Goodall punched on with another ‘80s rock classic — Survivor‘s “Eye of the Tiger,” the theme from Rocky III.
By day, Goodall is a shy school janitor. “I’ve been singing in the halls for 23 years,” he said during the semis. “I know how lucky I am to be here and it’s not wasted on me.” Those words and his performances (which have included Michael Bolton’s “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You”) have endeared him to millions.
Goodall is one of 10 finalists, facing off against dance troupes AIRFOOTWORKS and Brent Street, acrobatic group Hakuna Matata Acrobats, comedian Learnmore Jonasi, quick change artist Solange Kardinaly, dog act Roni Sagi & Rhythm, aerial duo Sebastián & Sonia, drone group Sky Elements and fellow singer Dee Dee Simon.
Four of the finalists earned a Golden Buzzer during the quarter-final: AIRFOOTWORKS (Howie Mandel), Hakuna Matata Acrobats (Sofia Vergara), Sebastián & Sonia (imon Cowell) and Dee Dee Simon (Heidi Klum). The other six contenders were selected following last week’s semi.
Now, America votes. The winner will be announced during the Sept. 24 finale, featuring a line-up of special guests including Simone Biles, Michael Bublé, Neal Schon and members of Journey, Steve Aoki,, Gabriel Iglesias, Andra Day, Detroit Youth Choir and more.
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