Richard Goodall is most known for being the unassuming caretaker who won the coveted golden buzzer on America’s Got Talent after astounding the judges. However, what if I told you that there’s more to Richard Goodall than what you saw on television? A portion of his life is so raw and agonising that it was kept off camera.
We’re going to take you on a journey through grief, heartache, and an unexpected but glorious ascent today. I promise you that this tale will permanently alter your perception of Richard. Let’s go back to the first instance that rocked Richard’s world.
Beneath the laughter and hugs, Richard Goodall bears a great deal of suffering. On June 19, 2021, just over a year before his incredible performance on America’s Got Talent, Richard lost his thirty-year wife to cancer. They had celebrated every Valentine’s Day and Christmas together for a lifetime.
But it was all gone in an instant. Richard shared a heartbreaking, honest message on Instagram that revealed his sorrow. I really apologise.
I gave it my all, but it wasn’t enough. Cancer is akin to taking a punch to the stomach. You’re told to get back up and restart after you fall to the ground.
Richard Goodall’s rise to stardom on America’s Got Talent (AGT) is a remarkable story of resilience, perseverance, and unexpected triumph. His journey, however, wasn’t just about fame and recognition. It was also deeply rooted in personal tragedy, heartache, and emotional recovery. While the world saw a man who wowed the judges and earned the coveted Golden Buzzer, few knew the real story behind his success—a story marked by grief, love, and an unwavering spirit.
Richard first gained widespread attention after a video of him singing “Don’t Stop Believin’” went viral on TikTok. A janitor from Terre Haute, Indiana, Richard’s powerful voice resonated with millions online. The video, taken by a teacher as he sang for students in the school’s hallway, was shared with the world and soon catapulted him to internet stardom. But this viral moment was not the beginning of Richard’s journey, nor was it the culmination. Instead, it was the bridge that would connect his humble life with his lifelong dreams, despite the pain that had been haunting him.
Beneath the joy and the infectious positivity that Richard radiated on stage, there was a depth of sorrow and loss. Just over a year before his appearance on AGT, Richard faced a devastating tragedy. On June 19, 2021, he lost his wife of 30 years to cancer. The loss was a crushing blow for Richard, who had spent the better part of his life by her side, celebrating holidays and special occasions, and weathering the highs and lows together. Her passing left an immense void in his life, one that he struggled to come to terms with even as the world saw him rise to fame.
On Instagram, Richard shared a raw and emotional post that revealed the depth of his grief. He spoke of feeling powerless in the face of cancer, likening the disease to a gut punch that leaves you breathless and stumbling. Despite giving everything he had, he could not save her. This heartache accompanied Richard every step of the way, and it was a pain that no amount of public adoration could erase.
Despite the overwhelming grief, life continued for Richard, and with it came an unexpected opportunity for love. In August 2021, just a few months after his wife’s passing, Richard shared a photo on Instagram of himself with his new fiancée, Angie. The caption, “Fun night with my Lane at Taco Tequilas,” hinted at the possibility of new beginnings. But it wasn’t that simple.
Falling in love again after such a monumental loss is often fraught with uncertainty, guilt, and conflicting emotions. For Richard, the process was difficult. His late wife’s memory loomed large, and he found it hard to move forward without feeling like he was somehow betraying her. Yet Angie brought a new sense of hope into his life. She was a source of comfort and understanding, helping Richard navigate the complexities of loss and love. Together, they began building a new life, even as Richard continued to carry the memory of his wife in his heart.
Richard’s love for singing had always been a source of solace, long before he became a household name. For years, he had worked as a janitor, cleaning classrooms and hallways in middle schools, where his voice would often echo through the empty corridors. His coworkers and students adored his voice, but Richard’s musical aspirations went largely unrecognized beyond the walls of the school. Singing was his way of expressing the emotional turmoil he felt inside, a way to channel his grief, his hopes, and his dreams.
Even before his viral TikTok video, Richard had been a fixture in the local music scene. He performed with his band, Menopausal, in small venues and bars, gaining local recognition but nothing that suggested the life-changing moment that was to come.
Richard’s viral fame soon opened doors to new opportunities. Encouraged by the outpouring of support, he decided to audition for The Voice, submitting a video of himself performing “Don’t Stop Believin’.” However, the response was not what he had hoped. The rejection email informed him that he would not be moving on to the next round. Richard was crushed. For someone who had spent years hearing that he had an incredible voice, the rejection was a blow to his confidence.
But instead of giving up, Richard used this rejection as fuel to keep going. He set his sights on America’s Got Talent. When he stepped onto the AGT stage, Richard was not just performing for himself. He was performing for his late wife, his fiancée, and everyone who had supported him along the way. As he sang “Don’t Stop Believin’,” the judges were mesmerized. Within moments, Heidi Klum slammed the Golden Buzzer, showering Richard in confetti as the audience erupted in applause. It was a moment of validation, not just for his talent, but for the years of perseverance and heartache that had brought him to that point.
Richard’s journey on AGT was more than just a personal achievement; it was a shared victory for the people of Terre Haute. After his Golden Buzzer moment, a local named Chris Bon started a GoFundMe campaign to help Richard with his travel expenses to California. The campaign raised over $155,000, a testament to how deeply his
