Locals excited for AGT finale

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Terre Haute singing janitor Richard Goodall will participate in the final round of America’s Got Talent. Locals are both excited and nervous as Goodall tries to sing his way to a million-dollar prize.

At 8 p.m. on September 17, the man with a story straight out of a movie script will have the support of an entire community behind him. Terminal Public House server Ross McDermott says that Goodall has inspired the whole community.

“His story is absolutely inspiring,” McDermott said. “Watching Terre Haute as a community get together behind him is really inspiring as well, seeing everybody rally, anything that you can do as a community to get people together like that and going for something is nice.”

Goodall is already a legend in the Wabash Valley, but his story encapsulates what it means to never give up. Goodall was already famous locally for his incredible singing voice, but a viral social media clip brought him into the national consciousness and the producers of America’s Got Talent gave him a shot on their NBC show. Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakbun says he is excited to support Goodall.

“We’re obviously really excited for Richard,” Sakbun said. “His story is an inspiration, he’s just a true living testament that if you continue to chase your dreams, good things will come.”

The City of Terre Haute and WTWO will host a watch party for Goodall at the Terre Haute Convention Center. The event is free to the public and doors will open at 7 p.m. There is a 500 guest limit, so make sure to arrive early and ready to cheer on Goodall one last time.

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