Daniel Stallworth's Journey on American Idol Daniel Stallworth, a Mississippi native, is currently competing in the Top 9 of "American Idol," with the season finale set for May. The 2026 season has seen him progress through the competition, and he remains optimistic about his chances. Stallworth, who moved to the Houston area a few months ago, teaches music at River Pines Elementary School in Humble, Texas. His students and community support have been a significant source of motivation, especially as he continues to balance his teaching career with his pursuit of a music career. Stallworth’s journey on the show has included several highlights. One of his favorite aspects has been working with celebrity mentors, including Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo during Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Week. Giraldo advised him to focus on strong vocal delivery while staying connected with the audience, a lesson Stallworth found invaluable. He also emphasized the camaraderie among contestants, noting that bonding with fellow competitors each week has been a standout part of his experience. A standout moment for Stallworth was his performance of Lionel Richie’s "All Night Long" during the March 16 episode. The song became his favorite performance of the season, and it earned praise from the judges. Richie called Stallworth “Mr. ‘All Night Long’” after the performance, while Luke Bryan remarked that the performance demonstrated Stallworth’s potential as a top singer. The performance also sparked widespread attention, with fans and even Richie himself acknowledging Stallworth’s interpretation of the song. Despite his progress, Stallworth has faced challenges, particularly in song selection.#american_idol #daniel_stallworth #river_pines_elementary_school #neil_giraldo #pat_benatar
