Heidi Klum didn't like me' before realizing 'I made it through

After performing a rendition of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" on "America's Got Talent," Richard Goodall was in disbelief at the outcome.

On the season premiere, Goodall was awarded the Golden Buzzer, and in an interview with Planet Chronicle Digital, she expressed her surprise, saying, "I could never have imagined what happened."

After receiving a standing ovation from both the audience and judges, he remembered the sensation of conversing with Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara, and Heidi Klum.

"It's surreal for you to be the person on stage, speaking to the people you've watched for years, knowing that you're living what you see on television."

He barely remembers what he said with Vergara and Mandel because he was completely blown away by Klum pushing the Golden Buzzer.

Goodall stated, "When I was singing, Heidi looked over and was talking to Howie. I now know what she was saying. However, when I was on stage, I couldn't hear what was on the microphones. Therefore, I thought she didn't like me."

"I thought she didn't "X" me, and it looked like I might get three yeses. I was like, "Maybe I'll get three yeses... maybe I'll get to go through.""

When she pushed the buzzer, there was a huge boom. And when I looked up, I saw my mouth open. I didn't have anything going on my mind. I was just like, "I made it through, I made it through."

"The interview with the judges was the most challenging part for me. As soon as the music began, I felt at ease. After hitting that final high note, I took a step back and patted myself on the chest, feeling completely spent. I had given it my all on stage."

If a contestant on "America's Got Talent" receives the Golden Buzzer, they advance directly to the live shows without going through any additional audition rounds. Each judge can only utilize this option once per season.

The singing janitor on 'America's Got Talent' believed Heidi Klum didn't like him until she gave him a golden buzzer.

The "AGT" accolade has garnered Goodall considerable acclaim in his hometown, despite the fact that he is now being "inundated."

"I am no longer allowed to enter Dollar General, and I definitely cannot enter Walmart," he stated.

He added, 'They're experiencing it the same way as I am. So it's awesome. It's really awesome.'

For 23 years, a 55-year-old man has worked as a janitor at a school in Terra Haute, Indiana, and has been known for his impressive singing ability among the students.

Despite not being able to celebrate with students this year due to his episode airing a week after school ended for the summer, Goodall was still celebrated on social media.

One student's mom shared a TikTok of her daughter's tearful reaction, and Goodall plans to meet with her soon and give her a gift for her support.

"AGT" first discovered Goodall through videos of him singing, and he had been invited to appear on the show a few years ago, but it didn't work out.

Last year, Goodall gained more attention and had a video reposted by Mandel on TikTok. A producer for the show then contacted him, and he auditioned for the show in Los Angeles a few months later.

Richard Goodall, the 'America's Got Talent' Golden Buzzer winner, is getting accustomed to the increased attention he's receiving.

Despite the attention from students, strangers, and more, Goodall maintains humility.

"He stated, "I am simply myself, and I am not doing anything differently than I have before. The attention and recognition I am receiving are not overwhelming to me, and I am enjoying it. However, I believe people are searching for something positive in the world at the moment.""

He continued, "When they see me and see me taking my shot, I'm just going out there singing. I've been doing it for 23 years. I've sung to the kids every single year, and I'm not doing anything different than I have ever done. My brain is still trying to process what's going on."

Goodall isn't fixated on the grand prize of $1 million or the opportunity to headline in Las Vegas at the moment.

"If I quit the school corporation, I will have a new platform, and it will go from a saucer to a plate. Depending on how well I perform, it could become a meat platter or a watermelon platter in summer. However, I don't have any expectations for that. I'm content with the saucer, and if you give me the plate, I will do my best to make everyone proud."

He aims to emphasize the "small things" he does daily to educate students about life through his new platform.

Goodall stated that as a janitor or custodian, you have a unique opportunity to connect with the students. This connection allows the kids to appreciate and love you, and for you to teach them important values such as "yes sir," "no sir," "please," and "thank you."

"Small things can be taught to help in life, and they are immeasurable. However, I am not a teacher."