Indiana Janitor Wins Golden Buzzer

Warning: this submit incorporates spoilers from the season 19 premiere of America’s Got Talent.

America’s Got Talent is again in motion — and the season 19 contestants got here able to compete!

On the Could 28 premiere, followers have been handled to an thrilling episode crammed with spectacular dance acts, comedians, magicians and even a 2-year-old mathematician.

However essentially the most emotional second got here on the finish of the episode when Indiana janitor Richard Goodall took the stage and ended up scoring considered one of choose Heidi Klum‘s Golden Buzzers.

“Golden Buzzer [winners] are an elite group of individuals. I by no means in 1,000,000 years anticipated to be in that class,” Richard, 55, tells PEOPLE completely. “And I nonetheless can’t consider Heidi did that!”

In his intro bundle, Richard — or, “Mr. Richard” as he is affectionately known as by the children on the center faculty he works at — mentioned he is from Terre Haute, Indiana and has lived there his complete life.

“I used to be that child up in my bed room with the Radio Shack stereo,” he mentioned. “My favourite factor was simply to sit down up and take heed to my music, and I simply belt it out. Finally, I used to be like, I gotta discover me a job. So I develop into [sic] a janitor at Chauncey Rose Center College, which is barely three blocks away from my home.”

Richard has been working on the faculty for 23 years however at all times had a ardour for singing.

“I am not a flowery particular person. I take out the trash. I wipe off the tables, I sweep the flooring. I am simply having enjoyable and I am attempting to make individuals glad,” he defined. “The children would hear me sing they usually inform me that I I’ve received expertise. That is why I am right here, that is why I received on a airplane.”

“After I took off from Indianapolis, I felt that entrance wheel come off the bottom and you’ve got this floating [feeling], you are not steady. And that is what this complete expertise is like proper now,” he continued. “It is a good off-balance however till you truly do one thing, you do not know if it is best for you or not.”

After arriving on stage and introducing himself to Heidi and fellow judges Howie Mandel, Simon Cowell and Sofia Vergara, Richard started singing a robust rendition of “Do not Cease Believin'” by Journey. It was a second that took practically everybody abruptly, particularly as a result of Richard’s voice had an analogous sound and pitch to that of former Journey frontman Steve Perry.

“Richard, you’re my hero! Trigger that was particular, genuinely particular. I believe America is gonna love you,” Simon mentioned, as Sofía added, “That was spectacular, that was enjoyable, this was a tremendous shock. You have been excellent to come back to AGT.”

In true Howie vogue, he joked: “Perhaps it is since you’ve been doing it for 23 years, however you simply cleaned up! I might think about that each child who’s ever been in a college with you is simply screaming.”

However it was Heidi who mentioned Richard “knocked me off my ft” together with his efficiency.

“All of us had the most effective time with you up there on that stage. I actually, actually really feel one thing after I see you up there and listen to you up there, and now that is what I am gonna do for you as a result of I really like you,” she mentioned earlier than urgent her buzzer, prompting gold glitter to come back falling from the ceiling.

Richard was moved to tears by the second, later telling the cheering crowd, “I’ve by no means even been on a airplane. This was not on my radar to come back to California. It is only a dream come true.”

Chatting with PEOPLE after profitable the Golden Buzzer, Richard says the tune’s title was an ideal illustration of his journey up till this level.

“I attempted out for AGT in 2009 and didn’t make it previous the primary spherical in Chicago… However just like the tune says, ‘Don’t cease believing!’ How can I inform the children that and never attain for desires too?” he says. “The songs I like to sing are timeless, they usually give everybody hope. That’s what I actually need to do, simply give individuals hope [and encourage them to] by no means quit.”

As for whether or not he thinks he can win the entire competitors, Richard says he has “no expectations” however “that undoubtedly doesn’t imply I’m not going to provide it every part I’ve received.”

“I’m a traditional one that does common issues for individuals. My singing, I’ve completed principally yearly in our colleges. Anytime they’ve requested me to sing I did it,” he provides. “To today, I understand how fortunate I’m. And I’m not taking any of this without any consideration.”

Along with Richard, the Could 28 premiere additionally noticed host Terry Crews give out considered one of his Golden Buzzers to Zimbabwean comic Learnmore Jonasi.

“Backstage, you have been telling me that you just have been taking 14-hour bus journeys to go carry out for 5 minutes after which having to take 14-hour bus journeys again residence,” he mentioned earlier than pushing his buzzer. “Brother, you’ll by no means have to return residence once more since you are right here with us!”

Chatting with PEOPLE in regards to the second on the AGT season 19 premiere, Crews mentioned he could not “anticipate the world to see” his Golden Buzzer-winning act.

“I am so proud,” he mentioned. “It is among the best emotions on this planet figuring out you are altering somebody’s life immediately. It is actually higher than cash as a result of for those who give somebody that endorsement — the factor that they should proceed their desires, not solely proceed it, however truly put it in entrance of billions of individuals — it is unbelievable!”

By no means miss a narrative — join PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to remain up-to-date on the most effective of what PEOPLE has to supply​​, from superstar information to forcing human curiosity tales.

America’s Bought Expertise airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.