Just one man and his will to survive… and make it to the next week America has talent final exams.
In Wednesday's semi-final episode AGTfan-favorite singer Richard Goodall proved just how much he wanted to stay in the competition by choosing to cover the ultimate fight song: Survivor's “Eye of the Tiger,” the theme from Rocky III.
He rose to the occasion of the classic track — a No. 1 for six weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1982 — squeezing every ounce of drama out of it, opting for a slowed-down a cappella intro before launching into the famous chorus with a full band behind him. Fiery visuals and fireworks lit up the stage behind him as the 55-year-old singer nailed Jim Peterik's heavenly vocal riffs for the packed crowd.
And it worked: We learned on Thursday night's (Sept. 12) episode that Goodall is one of six contestants moving on to next week's finals ahead of Season 19 AGT the winner is crowned on September 24.
The judges were in Goodall's hands following his Survivor cover, with Simon Cowell saying: “There's something ironic about the fact that you chose a real underdog song and you're like the underdog in a way, but really. positive way. And it was like you got to the top of the stairs,” he said, referring to Sylvester Stallone's Rocky running up the famous steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. “I like this!”
Sofia Vergara added, “I love that you chose such an iconic song. People love you. It was amazing. I am so happy for you. Enjoy this,” while Howie Mandel praised Goodall's warmth throughout this season: “I'm excited, but not as big as the heart this guy has. You have the biggest heart in this whole competition. We feel the love and we love you.”
But no one was more excited than Heidi Klum, who simply asked Goodall after the song: “Are you kidding me right now? Epic show. I thought you couldn't top what you did last time, but you surpassed it. America, you must vote for Richard!'
America clearly listened, and you can catch Goodall on next week's final episode of the show, airing on September 17 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.
Watch Goodall's 'Eye of the Tiger' performance below:
