AGT: Season 19 Kicks Off with 2 Golden Buzzers and an 'Amazing Surprise' from an Indiana Janitor of 23 Years

Warning: This post contains spoilers from the season 19 premiere American talent.

American talent back in action — and the Season 19 contestants came ready to compete!

In the May 28 premiere, fans were treated to an exciting episode filled with impressive dance numbers, comedians, magicians and even a two-year-old mathematician.

But the most emotional moment came at the end of the episode when Indiana janitor Richard Goodall took the stage and ended up scoring one of judge Heidi Klum’s golden buzzers.

“Golden buzzer [winners] are an elite group of people. I never in a million years expected to be in that class,” Richard, 55, tells PEOPLE exclusively. “And I still can’t believe Heidi did it!”

Richard Goodall on ‘America’s Got Talent’.

Trae Patton/NBC

American talent Get ready for a record-breaking season 19 with the 2-year-old mathematician: watch the teaser! (Exclusive)

In his introductory packet, Richard — or, “Mr. Richard” as he is affectionately called by the kids at the high school where he works — said he was from Terre Haute, Indiana and had lived there his whole life.

“I was that kid in my bedroom with a Radio Shack stereo,” he said. “My favorite thing was just to sit and listen to my music, and I’m just a belt. In the end I thought, I have to find a job. That’s how I became [sic] janitor at Chauncey Rose High School, which is only three blocks from my house.”

Richard has been working at the school for 23 years, but has always had a passion for singing.

“I’m not a fancy person. I take out the trash. I wipe the tables, I mop the floors. I’m just having fun and trying to make people happy,” he explained. “Children would hear me sing and tell me I have talent. That’s why I’m here, that’s why I got on the plane.”

“When I took off from Indianapolis, I felt the front wheel come off the ground and this was floating [feeling], you are no longer stable. And that’s how this whole experience is now,” he continued. “It’s well out of balance, but until you actually do something, you don’t know if it’s right for you or not.”

Richard Goodall on ‘America’s Got Talent’.

Trae Patton/NBC

After arriving on stage and introducing himself to Heidi and fellow judges Howie Mandel, Simon Cowell and Sofia Vergara, Richard began singing a powerful rendition of “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey. It was a moment that surprised almost everyone, especially since Richard’s voice had a similar timbre and pitch to that of former Journey frontman Steve Perry.

“Richard, you are my hero! Because it was special, truly special. I think America will love you,” said Simon, while Sofía added: “It was spectacular, it was fun, this was an incredible surprise. It was you are perfect to reach AGT.”

In true Howie fashion, he joked: “Maybe it’s because you’ve been doing it for 23 years, but you just cleaned up! I’d imagine every kid who’s ever been at school with you is just screaming.”

Judges Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara and Simon Cowell.

Trae Patton/NBC

But it was Heidi who said that Richard “knocked me off my feet” with his performance.

“We all had the best time with you up there on that stage. I really, really feel something when I see you up there and hear you up there, and this is what I’m going to do for you because I love you,” she said before pressed the buzzer, causing golden glitter to fall from the ceiling.

Richard was moved to tears at the time, later telling the delighted crowd, “I’ve never even been on a plane. It wasn’t even on my radar to come to California. It’s just a dream come true.”

Speaking to PEOPLE after winning the Golden Buzzer, Richard says the song’s title is a perfect representation of his journey to this point.

“I tried to AGT 2009 and didn’t make it past the first round in Chicago… But as the song says, ‘Don’t stop believing!’ How can I say that to the kids without reaching for my dreams myself?” he says. “The songs I like to sing are timeless and give everyone hope. That’s what I really want to do, just give people hope [and encourage them to] never give up.”

As for whether he thinks he can win the entire competition, Richard says he has “no expectations” but “that definitely doesn’t mean I’m not going to give it my all.”

“I am a normal person who does regular things for people. I did my singing mostly every year in our schools. Whenever I was asked to sing, I did,” he adds. “To this day, I know how lucky I am. And I don’t take any of this for granted.”

Richard Goodall (left) with Heidi Klum and Terry Crews on ‘America’s Got Talent’.

Trae Patton/NBC

American talent It’s back — and with more golden buzzers for Season 19! Watch the first look (exclusive)

In addition to Richard, host Terry Crews also presented one of his Golden Buzzers to Zimbabwean comedian Learnmore Jonasi at the May 28 premiere.

“You were telling me backstage that you take a 14-hour bus ride to go to a five-minute show and then you have to take a 14-hour bus ride home,” he said before hitting the buzzer. “Brother, you’ll never have to come home again because you’re here with us!”

Learn more about Jonas on ‘America’s Got Talent.’

Trae Patton/NBC

Talking to PEOPLE about this moment in the AGT season 19 premiere, Crews said he can’t “wait for the world to see” his Golden Bell-winning performance.

I’m so proud, he said. “It’s one of the best feelings in the world to know that you’re instantly changing someone’s life. It’s literally better than money because if you give someone that support — what they need to pursue their dreams, not just pursue it, but actually put it forward billions of people — that’s fantastic!”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

American talent airs Tuesdays at 8:00 PM ET on NBC.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education