With Richard Goodall, Terre Haute’s singing janitor, bound for the “America’s Got Talent” finals, his fans are likely wondering what song he’ll sing.
Goodall will compete for the top prize of $1 million at the NBC television program’s finals competition Tuesday. He was one of six semifinalists to advance to the finals after Thursday night’s live show, thanks to votes by the national viewing public.
Regardless of the outcome, Richard Goodall has had the experience of a lifetime. “I’ve never been west of Missouri and I’ve never been on an airplane” until his America’s Got Talent experience, he said recently during an interview with the Tribune-Star. Here, Goodall poses for a photo on the West Vigo Middle School auditorium stage.
On Thursday, Goodall performed “Eye of the Tiger,” the 1982 hit song by the band Survivor. In his breakthrough performance, Goodall sang “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey, and then followed that one by singing the Michael Bolton hit “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You.”
So what song will Goodall select for his finals performance? The world will find out on Tuesday. In the meantime, some Wabash Valley musicians offered some ideas.
Their suggestions:
• “Such a tough decision, almost literally a million-dollar question. I never would have thought ‘Eye of the Tiger,’ but it turned out to be a great choice. I’d love to hear him do ‘Feeling that Way,’ but he probably shouldn’t do another Steve Perry song. ‘More than a Feeling’? ‘We are the Champions?’ Glad I don’t have to pick it.” — Mark Wright, Wabash Valley Musicians Hall of Fame board member.
• “I have a song that is probably not well known but would suit his voice, show off his range, and be an emotional crowd pleaser: ‘Never Saw a Miracle’ by Curtis Stigers.” — David Hunt, longtime frontman for Terre Haute band The MacDaddys.
• “Because Richard has such a beautiful voice fueled by the sheer love of music and the joy of singing, he really can’t go wrong with whatever he chooses! I’d personally, love to hear him sing ‘Faithfully’ by Journey, for no other reason than I love the song and I know that Richard would do it justice! Good luck and bring it on home Richard!!” — Terre Haute actress and singer Kimberly McMurray.
• “‘I Want to Know What Love Is,’ maybe, for a great voice (by Richard) and a great song (by Foreigner). Maybe a Mellencamp song like ‘Hurt So Good.’ He would have the place rockin’.” — Terre Haute blues harp virtuoso Steve Rusin.
• “There are three that come to mind pretty quickly, and all can reflect aspects of his journey. I think they are all also a good fit for the timbre and range of his voice, as well as being motivational, and something the live and television audiences would like hearing: ‘It’s my Life’ by Bon Jovi, ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ by Bon Jovi, [and] ‘It’s a Long Way To the Top (If you wanna rock ‘n’ roll’) by AC/DC.” — Michael Boswell, director of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College choirs.
• “‘Rosanna’ by Toto, ‘Hey Jude’ by The Beatles, ‘Sunset Grill’ by Don Henley, [or] ‘Black Dog’ by Led Zeppelin.” — Terre Haute bassist and Wabash Valley Musicians Hall of Famer Mark Ford.
Richard Goodall performs on “America’s Got Talent.” The program, taped in March, will air at 8 p.m EDT Tuesday on NBC. It streams on Peacock.
• “I think he needs to do a Bryan Adams song: “Everything I do” or (if he wants up-tempo) “Run to You.” Richard has a smoky quality to his voice that would really sound great on those classic Bryan Adams songs! I think “Everything I do” would also suit who he is authentically; he always mentions his fiancé. I think he could sing this one from the heart, and if he connects to the song, the audience will connect with him.” — Terre Haute singer-songwriter and a dean at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Tracy Richardson.
• “I’d just encourage Richard to sing from the heart! We’re all behind you!” — John McIntyre, retired professor of music and director of the SMWC concert band.
