Mississippi native Daniel Stallworth’s run on “American Idol” season 24 came to an end Monday night as the local singer fell just short of the show’s Top 5.
Stallworth, a teacher from Moss Point and one of seven contestants left heading into the episode, took the stage twice during Taylor Swift night. Contestants were first tasked with performing a song from the Swiftie catalog before returning with a performance of their choice, as long as the song was originally performed by an artist from California.
Stallworth selected Swift’s “Fearless” before going with “Best Part” by H.E.R. and Daniel Caesar.
Once again, the judges were wowed by Stallworth’s ability to bring a gospel twist to any genre. His powerful voice and much-improved stage presence led Lionel Richie to say, “You are fearless. You not only sing, but you perform,” after Stallworth sang the title track of Swift’s 2008 album by the same name.
Judges piled on the praise after Stallworth’s rendition of “Best Part.”
“Your voice is like butter on hot toast,” Carrie Underwood said, as Luke Bryan added, “Those notes at the end – I haven’t heard you do that all year.”
Throughout the two-hour episode, fans were asked to vote up to 50 times per contestants before the lights dimmed and host Ryan Seacrest began to announce the results. In order, Seacrest read the names of Keyla Richardson, Braden Rumfelt, Jordan McCullough, and Hannah Harper.
That left Stallworth, Chris Tungseth, and Brooks Rosser vying for the final spot.
As the three embraced each other and Seacrest was deliberate with dramatic pause, the credits began to roll and the host revealed Tungseth would be moving on – sending Stallworth and Rosser home.
On Tuesday morning, Stallworth went to social media to thank “American Idol” and assure fans his professional music career is just getting started.
“He’s not done with me yet!!!!!! Thank you, [American Idol],” Stallworth wrote.
For Mississippi viewers who may want to keep tuning in, “American Idol” season 24 returns with its penultimate episode on Monday, 4. This year’s winner will be announced on Monday, May 11. Both episodes air on ABC at 7 p.m. CT.
Relive Stallworth’s journey on “American Idol” :
- Moss Point native earns golden ticket during ‘American Idol’ season 24 premiere
- Daniel Stallworth advances to ‘American Idol’ Top 30
- ‘Beating on pots and pans’: How Daniel Stallworth found musical roots before ‘American Idol’
- Daniel Stallworth cracks ‘American Idol’ Top 14 as surprise twist caps Monday’s episode
- Daniel Stallworth advances to ‘American Idol’ Top 9
- Daniel Stallworth advances to ‘American Idol’ Top 7 after Disney Night performance
