Singing janitor Richard Goodall stole the show with his powerful rendition of Eye Of The Tiger on Wednesday during the semifinals episode of America’s Got Talent.
The 55-year-old school janitor from Terre Haute, Indiana, after his stellar performance received a standing ovation from judge Heidi Klum, 51, who earlier during season 19 hit her Golden Buzzer for him during auditions.
‘I’m not supposed to be here right now. School just started and I’m supposed to be back there taking out the trash and wiping off the tables,’ Richard said his pre-performance package.
Richard was celebrated with a pep rally at his high school after his successful audition and students have been supporting his journey.
‘Seeing all the kids cheer for me just, wow. That makes me want to fight all that much harder to make it into the finals,’ Richard said.
+21
View gallery
Singing janitor Richard Goodall stole the show with his powerful rendition of Eye Of The Tiger on Wednesday during the semifinals episode of America’s Got Talent on NBC
‘It was the last song in the world I would expect you to sing. It was a mash up. People love you,’ Simon said. ‘It’s something about the fact that you’ve chosen a real underdog song and you’re the underdog in a way. In a really positive way. It was like you got to the top of the steps. I love that.’
Sofia Vergara, 52, also praised Richard for his song selection.
‘I love that you picked an iconic song. People love you. I mean, it was amazing. I’m so happy for you. Enjoy this,’ Sofia said.
+21
View gallery
‘Are you kidding me right now?,’ Heidi Klum exclaimed emotionally to her Golden Buzzer pick. ‘I mean, really are you kidding me right now? Epic performance. Epic performance’
+21
View gallery
Richard commanded the stage while singing alongside a guitarist and showed off his vocal range
+21
View gallery
‘It was the last song in the world I would expect you to sing. It was a mash up. People love you,’ Simon Cowell said. ‘It’s something about the fact that you’ve chosen a real underdog song and you’re the underdog in a way. In a really positive way. It was like you got to the top of the steps. I love that’
+21
View gallery
‘I love that you picked an iconic song. People love you. I mean, it was amazing. I’m so happy for you. Enjoy this,’ Sofia Vergara said
Heidi Klum has a blast getting ready for America’s Got Talent
‘I think I’m as pumped, but not as big as the heart this guy has. You have the biggest heart in the whole competition. We feel the love and we love you,’ Howie said to Richard.
Show host Terry Crews, 56, also asked Richard how it felt to perform the iconic song.
‘I am so blessed. I was ready and willing to fight for the finals!,’ Richard said.
The semifinals episode featured performances by 12 acts with only six spots available in the finals.
Pranysqa Mishra, a 10-year-old singer from Tampa, Florida, opened the two-hour episode with a strong rendition of High Hopes.
+21
View gallery
‘I am so blessed. I was ready and willing to fight for the finals!,’ Richard said
+21
View gallery
Pranysqa Mishra, a 10-year-old singer from Tampa, Florida, opened the two-hour episode with a strong rendition of High Hopes
Heidi also pressed her Golden Buzzer for the girl and was proud of her effort.
‘I am so very proud of you, Pranysqa. I have to say, you gave us such a moment. I mean, what an honor it is for you to open the show tonight, the semifinals. You did it so perfectly,’ Heidi said.
Dentist-turned-aerialist Kelsey Jane impressed yet again with her graceful performance.
‘I have to say it kind of took my breath away. I kind of get lost in the music, your body is moving. It’s so beautiful. There’s so much poetry and grace in your movement,’ Heidi said.
Alex Sampson also continued his streak of impressing the judges after singing another original song.
+21
View gallery
Dentist-turned-aerialist Kelsey Jane impressed yet again with her graceful performance
+21
View gallery
Alex Sampson also continued his streak of impressing the judges after singing another original song.
Heidi Klum arrives in style for America’s Got Talent live show
‘I still predict he’s going to go all the way. He’s going to be the biggest star of the season. I feel like I’m at his album listening party. That song is going to be on the charts tomorrow. Mark my words,’ Howie said.
Unique magician Young-Min from South Korea drew mixed reviews as Howie raved about him, but Simon was less impressed.
Country rock trio Ashes & Arrows from North Carolina and 15-year-old singer Reid Wilson also delivered performances that left the judges reaching for superlatives.
Reid, who also was one of Howie’s Golden Buzzer picks, opted for a slowed down version of Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance With Somebody.
‘It’s been such a beautiful journey to watch you blossom on our stage. You started off in the auditions so shy and literally every time you’ve been better and better and watching you today you are glorious,’ Heidi told the teen.
Dog act Roni Sagi & Rhythm took it up a notch by introducing a prop for their dance routine.
‘Honestly, this was better than anything I’ve seen before. I really mean that. That was …if this was the Olympics, I would score this a 10. Really,’ Simon said.
Learnmore Jonasi, a stand-up comedian from Zimbabwe, had the judges and audience laughing with another hilarious set.
+21
View gallery
Unique magician Young-Min from South Korea drew mixed reviews as Howie raved about him, but Simon was less impressed
+21
View gallery
Country rock trio Ashes & Arrows from North Carolina treated the audience to a fun song
+21
View gallery
Reid Wilson, 15, who also was one of Howie’s Golden Buzzer picks, opted for a slowed down version of Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance With Somebody
+21
View gallery
Dog act Roni Sagi & Rhythm took it up a notch by introducing a prop for their dance routine
+21
View gallery
Learnmore Jonasi, a stand-up comedian from Zimbabwe, had the judges and audience laughing with another hilarious set
Sky Elements drone show, which was one of Simon’s Golden Buzzer picks, created an emotional tribute for chief pilot Preston Ward in honor of his late infant daughter Briley Rose Ward.
Sofia wiped away tears while watching the air show and Simon was so emotional afterward that he was at a loss for words.
‘I mean, who knew that drones could make you so emotional. That was a surprise. That was so beautiful. That was, like, heart felt and, I mean, I don’t know what to say. Congratulations. What a beautiful, beautiful job,’ Sofia said.
The Brent Street dance crew from Sydney, Australia, earned a standing ovation after their high-energy performance.
Simon apologized for his previous criticism of the dynamic dancers.
‘Unbelievable. That was absolutely stunning, stunning, stunning. I think we’ve had over the years The Mayyas who won and we have you. The creativity, the skill, being original, I haven’t given you enough credit. I apologize,’ Simon said.
Quick-change artist and magician Solange Kardinaly, 40, performed last and closed the episode with a spectacular performance.
+21
View gallery
Sky Elements drone show, which was one of Simon’s Golden Buzzer picks, created an emotional tribute for chief pilot Preston Ward in honor of his late infant daughter Briley Rose Ward
+21
View gallery
‘I mean, who knew that drones could make you so emotional. That was a surprise. That was so beautiful. That was, like, heart felt and, I mean, I don’t know what to say. Congratulations. What a beautiful, beautiful job,’ Sofia said
+21
View gallery
The Brent Street dance crew from Sydney, Australia, earned a standing ovation after their high-energy performance
+21
View gallery
Quick-change artist and magician Solange Kardinaly, 40, performed last and closed the episode with a spectacular performance
+21
View gallery
The judges praised Solange for her unique act that combines magic with her quick-change talent
‘You only had one week. People prepare their whole lives to create and I know …I have friends that are magicians. They don’t just …can’t just make stuff appear. You have to create it. You create all your own stuff. You create the magic,’ Howie said.
America’s Got Talent will return on Thursday with the results of viewer voting and the six acts making it to the finals will be announced.
Season 18 of the NBC talent competition show was won by dog act Adrian Stoica and Hurricane.
Each judge for the first time this season was given two Golden Buzzer picks during auditions and also a Golden Buzzer pick during the live shows.
