Richard Goodall works at a middle school just a few blocks from his home in Terre Haute, Indiana. The 55-year-old, who has been a janitor for 23 years, often sings while on the clock — in part to pass the time but more because of the response he gets from the students and teachers passing by in the halls.

It was the support of the students, who call him Mr. Richard, that led Goodall to hop on a plane for the first time in his life to travel to Los Angeles and audition for “America’s Got Talent.”

“I’m not a fancy person. I take out the trash, I wipe off the tables, I sweep the floors. I’m just having fun and I’m trying to make people happy,” Goodall said in a clip that aired ahead of his “AGT” audition. “The kids would hear me sing and they’d tell me that I’ve got talent. That’s why I’m here. That’s why I got on a plane.”

Since his audition, Goodall’s fanbase has grown — substantially. His audition, featuring a performance of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’,” went viral. To date, it has 24 million views on YouTube. All of his subsequent performances on “AGT” have well over 1 million views on YouTube.

Now, Goodall is one of the top 10 competitors vying for the $1 million prize and a headlining slot in Las Vegas. His final performance aired Wednesday night and “AGT” will reveal the winner on Sept. 24.

For his final appearance, Goodall brought his time on the show full circle with a performance of another “Journey” song: “Faithfully.” Following the performance, all of the judges declared their desire for the singer to win the entire competition.

Neal Schon, the legendary lead guitarist of Journey, has extended his heartfelt wishes to Richard Goodall, adding an unexpected and thrilling twist to his journey on AGT. The excitement and validation Goodall must have felt receiving this personal message from Schon are palpable. This gesture surely adds an extra layer of inspiration and good fortune to Goodall’s performance. Dive into Neal’s full message and experience Goodall’s moving final act in the video below.

How Richard Goodall landed on ‘AGT’

This isn’t actually Goodall’s first time auditioning for “AGT.”

The singer tried out for the show 15 years ago but didn’t make it past the preliminary rounds, he told Parade. But Goodall got a second chance when a teacher’s assistant filmed a video of him performing a Journey song at his middle school that went viral on TikTok.

“That was a Thursday afternoon. Friday morning, I’m scrubbing the floor in the first grade, and they approached me and said, ‘Hey, we filmed you and put you on TikTok and it’s got 100,000 views.’ I was like, ‘Is that good?’” Goodall told Parade. “By the end of the weekend, it was in a million. By the time it reached 3 million, Journey and Steve Perry commented. Then Steve Perry, who’s a recluse and doesn’t say much at all, put me on all of his social media. His fans were commenting. Because if he’s on board, then it’s OK. If it was OK with Steve, then it was OK with them.”

A producer saw the video and reached out to Goodall about auditioning for “AGT.” A few months later, Goodall had a plane ticket to California.

Susan Boyle set the stage ablaze as she kicked off her celebration with a truly special event hosted by Alfalit. The beloved BGT star delivered a live performance that left the audience mesmerized, showcasing her extraordinary talent and emotional depth.

As she took to the stage, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. Susan’s haunting rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream” resonated throughout the venue, capturing the hearts of everyone in attendance. With each note, she infused the song with raw emotion, reminding everyone of her incredible journey and the dreams that have defined her career.

Her powerful voice and heartfelt delivery not only stunned the audience but also created an intimate connection that left many in tears. It was a moment of pure magic, where the beauty of her performance transcended the ordinary and transformed the event into a celebration of hope and resilience.

By the end of her performance, it was clear that Susan Boyle’s artistry continues to inspire and touch the hearts of all who witness her talent. This special event was not just a celebration; it was a testament to the power of music and the enduring spirit of a true star.

On November 14, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon was treated to a surprise guest appearance that had the audience buzzing with excitement. Michael Bublé, the smooth Canadian crooner, stepped onto the stage, instantly lighting up the room.

With his signature deep and rich voice, Bublé performed his classic hit “Bring It On Home to Me,” captivating everyone in the studio. His heartfelt delivery filled the air, creating a magical moment that left the crowd mesmerized and Fallon himself in a state of pure joy.

From the moment the first notes rang out, you could feel the energy in the room shift. Michael’s voice, smooth and full of emotion, took everyone on a journey with the timeless song. The live setting created a raw, intimate connection, allowing the audience to really connect with the depth of his voice.

As the last note faded, the crowd couldn’t help but erupt in applause, clearly moved by the heartfelt performance they had just witnessed.

Jimmy Fallon couldn’t hide his excitement when the surprise guest appeared. Without hesitation, he rushed to Michael, enveloping him in a warm embrace, clearly thrilled by the unexpected moment.

The duet quickly became an online sensation, with fans flooding social media to rave about Michael’s stunning vocals and Jimmy’s heartfelt response. For fans of both the iconic singer and the late-night host, the impromptu performance became the highlight of the month.

The 2023 Carol Service at Westminster Abbey celebrated the theme #ShapingUs, recognizing the people who support babies, young children, and families in the UK. It was a chance to express gratitude for the dedication of those working to help the youngest members of society during their important early years.

This event of 2023 became more special and memorable due to an enchanting duet by Adam Lambert and Beverley Knight. Their performance of “The Christmas Song” was both powerful and heartfelt, blending their unique vocal styles to create a rendition that left the audience in awe.

With each note, they infused the beloved classic with warmth and heartfelt emotion that perfectly captured the spirit of the season.

Adam Lambert’s stunning vocals brought a fresh vibrancy to the classic melody, blending warmth and richness that filled the space with a profound sense of nostalgia. Beverley Knight’s commanding, soulful voice added an electrifying dimension, perfectly harmonizing with Lambert’s. Together, their voices resonated beautifully through Westminster Abbey.

The magic of the evening didn’t stop at Adam Lambert’s performance. In a standout moment, Adam had the privilege of meeting Princess Catherine of Wales. Their brief interaction left an impression, as Adam’s warmth and genuine demeanor shone through, capturing the attention of the royal family member.

The collaboration between Adam Lambert and Beverley Knight has received countless positive feedback. One YouTube user commented, “Adam you have the voice of an angel, it is like no other and you and Beverley complement each other perfectly.”

Another added, “Wow, not many people can say they performed at Westminster Abbey. What a thrill and so beautifully done. The outfits were beautiful as well.”

Kelly Clarkson delivered a heartfelt rendition of Adam Lambert’s “Whataya Want From Me” during her “Kellyoke” segment on The Kelly Clarkson Show, adding her unique style to Lambert’s Grammy-nominated hit. This performance aired on October 27, 2020, where Clarkson showcased her signature vocal power, adding expressive runs and heartfelt emotion. Originally written by Pink, Max Martin, and Shellback, “Whataya Want From Me” became one of Lambert’s iconic tracks from his 2009 For Your Entertainment album, and Kelly’s cover paid homage to the song’s enduring appeal.

Clarkson’s cover was straightforward yet impactful, maintaining the song’s core intensity while infusing it with her authentic, raw delivery. Many fans responded enthusiastically, noting the connection between Clarkson and Lambert as American Idol alumni and the natural fit of this powerful song with her voice. There is even ongoing fan hope for a future duet between Lambert and Clarkson, a collaboration that would undoubtedly be unforgettable given their vocal prowess and shared history on Idol.

Clarkson’s choice reflects her knack for taking songs with deep emotional weight and delivering them with authenticity, a hallmark of her “Kellyoke” segments where she frequently chooses songs from fellow artists and alumni.

On October 19, 2022, Adam Lambert and Jennifer Hudson had a heartwarming reunion on her talk show, bringing back fond memories of their days on American Idol. The two powerhouse vocalists were joined by Michael Orland, their former pianist from the show, setting the stage for a spontaneous musical moment

With their combined talent, it was the perfect chance to treat the audience to a captivating duet that left everyone in awe.

Without any prior rehearsal or experience in opera, Adam Lambert and Jennifer Hudson gathered around the piano and surprised the audience with a stunning rendition of the classic aria “Nessun Dorma.” Their impromptu performance stunned the crowd, showcasing their vocal prowess and ability to tackle even the most challenging pieces.

Their performance continued with a fun twist. Both Adam Lambert and Jennifer Hudson reminisced about their first auditions on American Idol—Jennifer sang an Aretha Franklin song, and Adam went with a Queen hit.

To mix things up, they decided to swap artists. Jennifer took on Queen’s “We Will Rock You,” hitting higher notes with each line. Meanwhile, Adam showed his soulful side by performing Aretha Franklin’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.”

The audience couldn’t contain their excitement as the singers delivered flawless performances as they cheered and applauded. Online reactions were equally enthusiastic, with viewers expressing awe over both artists’ impressive vocal abilities and range.

One fan commented, “Jennifer Hudson has a beautiful talent!! And Adam … there’s really no voice that compares. Always so gorgeous.”

Another added, “Two all time great singers, a rock singer and an R&B singer doing opera with no rehearsal and having to pick up the key as it is being played. And they can do that?!! Wow.”

Andrea Bocelli celebrated his 30-year career with a performance in London’s Hyde Park, where he was joined by a very special guest.

The famed Italian tenor shared the stage with his 12-year-old daughter, Virginia Bocelli, during his headlining act of the British Summer Time (BST) concert series.

“Next, I’m going to introduce a little girl. Her name is Virginia and she is my daughter,” he told the crowd on Friday night (Saturday morning AEST).

“Virginia, welcome, are you ready?” he asked his daughter.

“We will do the song that we both do at home, OK? But now it’s more important to sing well.”

The youngster, clad in a hot pink dress with ruffles along the bodice, stood sweetly beside her dad, who had a guitar in hand, as they performed Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah.

Making the event – labelled “the largest classical concert to take place in Europe this century” – a truly family affair, Andrea’s son Matteo Bocelli also performed.

Matteo opened proceedings on the Great Oak Stage ahead of his famous father, telling the crowd he felt “very privileged” to be part of the massive concert, which also featured artists including Hans Zimmer, Katherine Jenkins, Jamie Duffy and Loren Allred.

While the annual concert series is called British Summer Time, there was more “British” than “summer” vibes to the weather.

The soggy London evening went down as one of the wettest in the annual event’s 11-year history, according to organisers.

But that didn’t dampen the spirits of those on stage or in the poncho-filled crowd.

Andrea and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra stayed dry under temporary tarps covering the stage, but the singer showed his appreciation for the audience sitting among the elements.

“You are my heroes for listening to my voice under the rain,” the singer told the audience, according to Metro UK.

“Thank you very much.”

Welsh mezzo-soprano, Jenkins, who was one of the warm up acts performing ahead of Andrea Bocelli, leaned into the weather and sang a rendition of Singing In The Rain.

“I’m going to break with the program as I just thought of a song we should be singing,” she grinned to the crowd, before popping open a white umbrella.

“Sing along please, everybody. This is British summer weather, let’s embrace it.

“You guys are amazing, I love your attitude!”

Legendary British singer-songwriter, Seal, also took to the stage with Andrea Bocelli for a couple of special duets, performing Amazing Grace and My Way together.

Seal’s unexpected appearance came a day before he takes to the Great Oak Stage again to perform his own set.

The Kiss From A Rose singer is the opening act for Robbie Williams, who will headline BST on Saturday night (Sunday morning AEST).

Adam Lambert once again showcased his unmatched vocal prowess during his explosive live rendition of Queen’s classic anthem “I Want to Break Free” at YouTube Space New York. The performance, which left fans on the edge of their seats, highlighted Lambert’s ability to inject his own dynamic style into one of rock music’s most iconic tracks.

From the moment he took the stage, Lambert’s energy was palpable, as he effortlessly navigated the song’s powerful highs and charged emotional undertones. His voice soared with precision, delivering both the freedom and defiance at the heart of the song’s message. With his commanding presence and flawless vocal technique, Lambert brought a fresh, electrifying interpretation of the legendary Queen track, making it entirely his own.

The intimate setting of YouTube Space allowed Lambert to connect with fans in a unique way, showcasing not just his vocal abilities but his passion for live performance. His infectious charisma and stage presence were on full display, making this live performance one of the standout moments of his career. The crowd’s response was nothing short of ecstatic, with applause and cheers echoing throughout the venue.

Lambert’s rendition of “I Want to Break Free” wasn’t just a tribute to Queen—it was a testament to his own artistry and versatility as a performer. His bold, fearless delivery proved why he continues to be one of the most captivating voices in rock and pop music today.

It was the Queen frontman vs. the host on ‘The Late Late Show’

It was the battle of the Queen frontmen on The Late Late Show Thursday night. Well, one was a Queen frontman, the other was a talk show personality with Broadway experience.

Adam Lambert, who’s preparing for Queen’s summer tour of North America, surprised the audience when host James Corden suggested he would make a better lead singer for the iconic band. What ensued was a sing-off of Queen hits, much like Corden’s recent Broadway face-off with Neil Patrick Harris.

Lambert started things off with another surprise — his Queen bandmates rolled out on stage to perform “We Will Rock You.” Corden fired back, “That was amateur hour,” before flipping the Grammy winner the bird during “Don’t Stop Me Now.”

By the end of “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” and “Another One Bites the Dust,” a teary-eyed Corden conceded Lambert to be the better Queen frontman. At least he closed on a high note with a duet of “Somebody to Love.”

The Oscars were hostless this year, so Adam Lambert and Queen stepped in to give the show an opening to remember. The band performed a medley of hits and paid tribute to late frontman Freddie Mercury, who was the focus of the nominated film Bohemian Rhapsody.

Adam, who has been performing with the band for several years now, led a powerhouse performance of “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions.” At the end, Freddie Mercury appeared on screen behind them, and Adam declared, “Welcome to the Oscars!” The crowd gave a standing ovation.

The Audience Loved It

One of the best parts of the performance was getting to see Hollywood’s biggest stars, dressed to the nines, rocking out from their seats. Highlights included Javier Bardem, Glenn Close, and Allison Janney.

Twitter Loved It, Too

Adam got plenty of love from fans on social media, including from fellow musicians and his American Idol family. Former Idol contestant Melinda Doolittle said he “has a unicorn melted gold velvet voice made of all your favorite things.”

For some viewers who found the rest of the ceremony boring, making the whole show a Queen concert sounded like a great idea.

Other Twitter users simply shared how great they thought the performance was, with some calling it one of the best Oscar performances in history and “a career moment for Adam.”

Forget The Haters

Of course, the performance wasn’t without its detractors. Some viewers complained about the song choices, while others insisted that Adam could never compare to the great Freddie Mercury.

However, as songwriter Elio Pace pointed out on Twitter, “If you want Freddie PUT THE RECORDS ON!”

A Big Year For ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’

It’s not hard to understand why the Oscars chose Queen to open the show. Bohemian Rhapsody was nominated for five awards and won four of them, including Best Actor for Rami Malek. As Oscars producer Donna Gigliotti told the LA Times,

“How did we come to that decision? Well, you have to look at the fact that this is a movie [“Bohemian Rhapsody”] that has done in excess of $800 million worldwide business. Japan alone is $100 million. We are putting on a show for a worldwide audience. So Queen is kind of a natural for us. I mean, don’t you want to be at rehearsals when Queen are rehearsing? It’s exciting. It’s fantastic.”

The coming year is also a big one for Queen and Adam Lambert. Not only are they going on a new tour this summer, but Adam recently released a new song called “Feel Something” off his upcoming fourth album — his first in more than three years.

They said they would rock us, and they did.