Moss Point’s Daniel Stallworth keeps advancing on ‘Idol.’ Here’s what to know

Daniel Stallworth, a 27-year-old elementary music teacher from Moss Point, Mississippi, has become a fan favorite on Season 24 of “American Idol” after wowing judges in every round. The Moss Point native has advanced from his audition all the way to the top 20, where public voting now determines his fate.

FULL STORY: South MS music teacher blows judges away on season premiere of ‘American Idol’

Here are key takeaways:

• Stallworth earned a unanimous “yes” from judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan after singing “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey at his audition in Nashville. He followed that with “Stand By Me” to make the top 30, then “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus to reach the top 20.

• His boldest move came when he sang judge Lionel Richie’s own hit “All Night Long” in the top 20 round. Richie responded: “You took that song and made it yours. If you put that out tomorrow, I’ll split it with you.” Luke Bryan told him, “You might be the best singer in this competition.”

• Stallworth is a 2016 Moss Point High School graduate who attended Alcorn State University, where he sang with the gospel choir. He is the youngest of 15 siblings, and his father is a Baptist minister who plays bass guitar.

• He says he’s competing for his students. “I want to inspire them to never give up on your dream,” he told the Sun Herald. His hometown is rallying behind him — Moss Point Mayor Billy Knight said he’s planning public announcements to alert residents when Stallworth performs.

• Eliminations now depend on viewer votes. Season 23 ended with Jamal Roberts from Meridian winning, raising the question of whether Mississippi could produce back-to-back champions.

*The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The full story in the link at top was reported, written and edited entirely by journalists.*