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Janitor's "Faithfully" cover dubbed the best of what "America's Got Talent' stands for

"What he represents is BIG for every single person."

America's Got Talent/Youtube

He's predicted to be the next big winner.

Listen, “America’s Got Talent” is a competition show with a sizable grand prize. So we can expect to see performers at the top of their game—who have painstakingly dedicated themselves to their craft, who might have even already gone viral for their god given gifts—clamoring to make it to the top.

But every so often, average, everyday folks show up to finally share those talents that otherwise went without a spotlight, and in doing so we are poignantly reminded that magic is hiding everywhere. Without a doubt, Richard Goodall, the singing janitor from Indiana, fits that bill.

With a quiet, humble personality that belies a rockstar voice, Goodall has absolutely wowed “AGT” audiences and judges alike with his showstopping covers of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'," the Michael Bolton's "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" and Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger." Iconic rock classics, and Goodall effortlessly nails them all.

And just when you think he couldn’t possibly outdo himself, Goodall sings“Faithfully,” another Journey hit, as for his performance in the finals.

And just like with any unforgettable act, Goodall not only shows off incredible skills, but took the audience on an emotional voyage.

Watch:

- YouTubewww.youtube.com

After the raucous applause died down, judges were quick to shower Goodall with praises, sharing how much they hoped this unassuming janitor would win big.

"Richard, I have been faithfully your biggest fan since the very, very first day we met, all the way through this competition,” said Hiedi Klum. “I want you to win this so bad, Richard!”

"I will make a prediction right now: I think you just sang yourself $1 million," Howie Mandel declared, while Simon Cowell added, "We all need a hero right now, and you are our hero."

Down in the Youtube comments, online viewers shared the same sentiment, calling Goodall the best of what “AGT” stands for.

“This is what AGT should be, regular every-day people with talent who don’t typically get to perform on a stage like this.”

“He sings with his heart. He’s an inspiration. Such a humble human being. He deserves to win this. He got all my votes!”

“Richard doesn't need to win, WE need him to win. Not only America, but the entire world. What he represents is BIG for every single person.”

“Richard has stayed true to himself. He hasn’t 'changed' because of all the attention. He's still a humble,quiet, hard working man with an amazing gift. His voice, to me, is like liquid gold. I genuinely hope Richard wins this year as he deserves it all. Good luck and keep true to yourself Richard Goodall.”

“Richard it's me, your disabled navy veteran fan that has been following your journey supporting you from day one of you auditioning for AGT 2024. I have no doubt that you will be the WINNER of AGT 2024…You gave all the people out here the hope and inspiration to ‘Don't Stop Believin’’ in our dreams, to use that ‘EYE of The Tiger’ to see and envision their dreams to ‘Faithfully’ make them come true by you yourself making your dream come true. America and the world is behind you, supporting you all the way along this magical singing journey to becoming a legend in the making.”

“Richard Goodall is what we all need right now. He is a true hero for everyone. He is a hard working humble man who can sing with all his heart and soul. His dream is coming true. He truly deserves it.”

There you have it, everyone. No matter who gets that coveted prize, Goodall has won in a very profound way.


This article originally appeared last year.

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11-year-old AGT audience member wows everyone with her amazing voice—getting her own 'Golden Buzzer'

Madison Taylor Baez continued to move audiences when she told them what she would do with the million dollar prize.

YouTube

Her talent is unreal.

We all know that in NBC’s long running “America’s Got Talent,” it’s all about earning that coveted Golden Buzzer. Performers of all kinds grace the stage in hopes of wowing the judges, seizing the prize and moving onto the next round.

What you might not know is that during commercial breaks, random audience members get a chance to show their stuff as well. Usually this bit is just for fun to pass the time. But one young singer gave such a spectacular performance that everyone was left in awe.

Eleven-year-old Madison Baez Taylor was placed in the audience by the show’s producers unbeknownst to the judges. A huge AGT fan, Madison had been to tapings since she was 4 years old and would always try to sing during the commercial breaks. Finally—the year she came to actually audition, no less—her dream came true.

Once Madison was handed the mic, there was no holding back. Her raw, soulful rendition of “Amazing Grace” instantly wowed, and the crowd burst into a standing ovation. Judges Sofía Vergara, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel spun in their chairs. Even the notoriously unimpressed Simon Cowell quickly came in from backstage to see who the mysterious powerhouse was.

“We do ask people in the breaks if they’d like to sing a song and I was literally just coming back in and I heard this voice, thinking, ‘Who the hell is that?’ And then I see this little thing in the audience and it’s you,” Cowell told Madison.

With a smile, Cowell then asked Madison to sing again. This time on the stage. For an official audition.

Through tears, Madison sang again a capella, somehow with even more flair and gusto. And holy moly, that vibrato.

Needless to say, cheers ensued.

After her thrilling encore, Cowell told Madison, “I’m not kidding. In all the years we’ve ever done this, this has never actually happened before. I mean, I normally leave during the break because people do sing, so this is actually the opposite. It actually brought me back into the room.”

Mandel then asked Madison what she might do with the $1 million grand prize if she were to win. Her heartfelt answer caught everyone by surprise.

“I would help my dad with cancer research. He's had stage 4 colon cancer for the past nine years,” Madison said, getting emotional.

Her dad, who had come to support his daughter during her big moment, later joined Madison on the stage. He revealed that she learned to sing by serenading him during his surgeries and chemo treatment. “She’d sing to me and help me get better, and I’m doing very well,” he told the audience.

Madison received the Golden Buzzer from Mandel. No vote necessary. She and her dad shared a wonderful moment of victory as the golden confetti rained down. Whether she makes it to the final round or not, this girl is a winner.


This article originally appeared on 6.13.22

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Magician shocks 'America's Got Talent' audience with incredibly smooth costume changes

Imagine being able to get dressed this fast in everyday life.

America's Got Talent/Youtube

That was so fun to watch.

The art of quick change has captivated viewers since the 17th (or perhaps even 15th) century. Perhaps it’s one of the more enduring styles of illusion because it can adapt along with ever changing fashion trends. Or maybe the concept of taking mere seconds to do any mundane task will always baffle us. Either way, it’s an act audiences love time and time again.

And yet, even if you have seen quick change magic before, Solange Kardinaly’s “America’s Got Talent” audition offers a fresh take.

The Portugal-born magician, who just so happens to hold the Guiness World Record for most costume changes in a single minute, stunned the crowd with a number that had 5 seamless outfit swaps, along with a color changing purse and money that appeared out of nowhere. Talk about living the dream.

Besides the quick changes, part of what makes the act so magical is Kardinaly’s charisma and stage presence. She’s clearly having so much fun strutting to Madonna’s “Material Girl” as her character goes on a shopping spree.

Watch:

After her performance, Kardinaly got nothing but praise from judges Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara, Howie Mandel and Simon Cowell, who agreed she was “the best quick-change artist [they] had ever seen” and voted for her to move on to the competition’s next round.

Of course, the judges weren’t the only ones who were impressed. Check out some of these lovely comments from online viewers:

“She's not doing quick change only,but she's a magician as well.this is mind blowing

Great concept and great storytelling. Awesome job!”

“If this isn’t magic, I don’t know what is! Absolutely enchanted by your performance!”

“Even when slowed down to 25% speed you cannot see how she does it, incredible.”

“Not many people know how much work n how much detail goes into a quick change act like this , she truly a wonderful craft lady.”

“Even though I understand how this sort of trick is performed, I was still very impressed. She pulls it off flawlessly. Her transitions are lightning fast with no pulling or bunching. It is obvious that she has spent A LOT of time perfecting her technique.”

“Freaking awesome...She is really good and knows how to present her craft to the audience.”

Now, if you please excuse me while I take at least 45 minutes to get into ONE outfit today…

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Guy shows off unreal drumming skills during mesmerizing 'AGT' audition

The rhythm, the energy, the smile. No wonder one judge called it "the perfect audition."

America's Got Talent/Youtube

Gotta love a good drum solo.

Few instruments in this world are as universally loved as the drums. For thousands of years, humans in virtually every culture have used drums to raise energy, be it for ceremonial purposes or good old-fashioned celebration. I mean, have you ever listened to a really bangin’ drum solo and not been immediately revved up? It’s pretty much impossible.

So when a masterful drum player aces an instrument that already gives such a visceral experience, you know you’re in for one hell of an auditory ride. Twenty-six-year-old Timothy Fletcher gave “America’s Got Talent” audiences just that.

Hailing from Baltimore, Maryland, and armed with only a single drum, Fletcher mesmerized the crowd with a personality-filled hip-hop routine that not only had a fantastic array of rhythms, but fun dance moves and impressive tricks. It really was a whole show in itself.

Watch:

Fletcher shared with the judges that he started playing drums in high school, but stopped. However, he took up the passion once again thanks to the encouragement of a friend who said he had a gift with the instrument, even predicting that one day he would be on the “AGT” stage.

After that friend was tragically killed, Fletcher decided to really take that message to heart by sharing his gift with the world. And yes, coming to compete for the winning title.

Fletcher is clearly well on his way to doing so, earning an enthusiastic “yes” vote from all four judges. Heidi Klum called it a “perfect first audition.”

We don’t always see our talents for the gifts that they are. But that changes when we receive support from a loved one. Their affirmation can carry us to surprising, exciting and wondrous places even after they’re gone. Love really is a magical thing.

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