WEST TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — An Indiana school custodian is the latest star on "America's Got Talent."
Richard Goodall took the stage during the premiere of the show's 19th season Tuesday night, performing "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey.
His talent broke out in a TikTok video, where millions of people have watched the West Vigo Middle School janitor sing for a room full of students. That video earned him an audition for the show in Los Angeles.
“He is representing Terre Haute as a city and putting us on a national televised program and giving us recognition here in the city of Terre Haute, which is a great honor,” West Vigo Middle School Principal Christopher Tanner told WTWO-TV.
Tuesday's show featured a brief interview with Goodall, who described his journey to the California audition to the "off-balance" feeling when an airplane first takes off.
"It's a good 'off-balance,' but until you actually do something, you don't know if it's right for you or not," Goodall said.
After chatting with judge Simon Cowell about his nerves, he gave a clue to what he was about to sing.
"The song speaks for itself," Goodell said. "This has been a long time coming."
"I hope he's good," Cowell told the other judges. "I really do."
The performance received a standing ovation from all four judges and the audience.
"That was amazing," host Terry Crews announced.
"I think America is going to love you," Cowell said.
"I think you were perfect to come to 'AGT' because you made our night," judge Sofia Vergara added.
Goodall's fate on the show didn't even make it to a vote.
"Richard, Richard, Richard, you knocked me off my feet," said judge Heidi Klum as she reached for the Golden Buzzer. "Now this is what I'm going to do for you because I love you."
Klum and Crews then walked off the stage with Goodall to call his fiancée in Terre Haute to break the good news.
The Golden Buzzer means Goodall advances to the live shows, where he will compete for America's vote.
Watch "America's Got Talent" Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on WTHR.