Middle School Janitor Richard Goodall Captivates America With Inspiring Performance On AGT

Country artist Walker Hayes surprised the “singing janitor” Richard Goodall with a generous gift…a brand-new car.

Goodall, who is a middle school janitor in Indiana, auditioned for Season 19 of America’s Got Talent. He captivated the judges with his powerful and inspiring performance of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Belivin’.”

Heidi Klum ended up pressing the Golden Buzzer for Goodall, instantly changing his life. As a Golden Buzzer recipient, Goodall got the chance to skip straight to the live shows.

Millions of people have watched Goodall’s audition since it aired in May. He’s spoken out about his newfound fame, saying how hard it is to wrap his mind around everything.

AGT Star Richard Goodall Moved To Tears After Country Artist Walker Hayes Gifts Him A New Car

The singing janitor’s AGT audition happened to catch the attention of Walker Hayes’ manager. The country artist, known for songs such as “Fancy Like” and “You Broke Up With Me,” wanted to do something to make a difference in Goodall’s life.

As Goodall told Parade, his local NBC affiliate asked him for an interview at a send-off event before he left for the AGT live shows. That’s when Hayes drove up and surprised the janitor with a brand-new car.

Hayes gifted Goodall a 2024 Buick Encore. As he told WTWO WAWV TV, he wanted to give Goodall the car because he had a friend do the same for him in the past.

Goodall confirmed this, telling Parade:

“Walker has this foundation. [Back when] he had lost his record deal — and he has like six kids — he had to give his van back, so a friend of his named Craig — and he has a song named ‘Craig’ — gifted him with a van when he was down on his luck. So, when Walker finally made it bigger, he started the Be a Craig Fund and people who are in need of a decent vehicle can get one.”

Walker Hayes hands "Singing Janitor" Richard Goodall the keys to a new car.Walker Hayes hands “Singing Janitor” Richard Goodall the keys to a new car. Photo Credit: Walker Hayes / Facebook
WTWO WAWV TV reports that Goodall got emotional and cried when Hayes surprised him with the generous gift.

“Walker pulled up in a brand new 2024, which to me this is surreal because being a singer and the name of the car is a Buick Encore, so to me it’s kind of fitting,” he told Parade.

“That was just a bright, kind of, light to be a part of today,” Hayes told WTWO WAWV TV about the surprise. “You know, seeing everybody support him. [It was a] very pure experience watching him go chase his dreams.”

WTWO WAWV TV filmed the heartwarming moment when Hayes surprised Goodall with the car, which you can watch below.

Hayes also shared his own video about the surprise, which you can watch below as well.