Amazon’s new holiday ad titled “Midnight Opus” tells the heartwarming story of a theater janitor whose hidden vocal talent is discovered by his coworkers as he sings while working. The janitor’s colleagues, including an usher with a smartphone who purchases a tuxedo jacket for him, work together to set up the stage for a performance. When the jacket is delivered, the janitor’s dream of singing is realized as he performs in front of his coworkers. The ad is set to the tune of the song “What the World Needs Now Is Love” as a reminder of the enduring power of love, connection, and compassion.
The story of the theater janitor in Amazon’s ad mirrors the real-life journey of Richard Goodall, an elementary school janitor from Indiana who won season 19 of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” Goodall opened his audition by expressing his passion for singing and proceeded to impress the judges with renditions of hit songs. He eventually performed with the band Journey in the finals. Goodall’s win is a remarkable example of dreams coming true for ordinary people, highlighting the transformative power of talent and perseverance.
Goodall’s experience reflects the sentiment expressed in Amazon’s ad, which showcases the theme of following one’s dreams and the importance of community support in achieving them. The ad was produced by Amazon’s internal creative team in collaboration with Hungry Man production company. It will air in the U.S. and Canada across various platforms starting on November 18, spreading a message of love, connection, and compassion during the holiday season.
The success of both the theater janitor in Amazon’s ad and Richard Goodall on “America’s Got Talent” underscores the idea that talent can come from unexpected places, and opportunities for recognition can arise when least expected. Both individuals found themselves in extraordinary situations that allowed them to showcase their abilities and capture the hearts of their audiences. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative nature of pursuing one’s passions and dreams.
Amazon’s ad not only celebrates the talent of the theater janitor but also emphasizes the importance of kindness and support from others in realizing one’s aspirations. The ad’s choice of song, “What the World Needs Now Is Love,” further emphasizes the message of spreading love, compassion, and connection, especially during the holiday season. Through storytelling, music, and heartwarming moments, the ad conveys a powerful message of hope, inspiration, and the power of dreams becoming reality.
Overall, the story of the theater janitor in Amazon’s holiday ad and Richard Goodall’s journey on “America’s Got Talent” serve as uplifting examples of ordinary people achieving extraordinary success through talent, passion, and perseverance. Both stories showcase the transformative power of pursuing dreams, receiving community support, and embracing opportunities that lead to unexpected, life-changing experiences. As the ad and Goodall’s win demonstrate, dreams do indeed come true, even for singing janitors.
