Daniel Stallworth survives first cut on ‘American Idol.’ Then, the surprise

Moss Point’s Daniel Stallworth survived the cut from 20 singers to 14 on Monday’s edition of American Idol.

The announced cut to 12 singers that was supposed to happen at the show’s conclusion, though, did not happen, with host Ryan Seacrest citing “unprecedented” volume in viewer voting, which was to be used to eliminate two more singers by the end of the episode.

Seacrest said the planned reduction would, instead, be announced at the beginning of the show on Monday, April 6.

The show began with the elimination of 6 singers: Kutter Bradley, Genevieve Heyward, Aboyami Lewis, Madison Moon, Makiyah Mustiful, Ruby Rae.

Stallworth was one of the first of the remaining 14 singers to perform, delivering a powerful rendition of “Brighter Days” by Blessing Offor.

Stallworth again received nothing but praise from the American Idol judges in his bid to survive the planned cut from 14 to 12. After a performance that saw him move from the main stage to a spot behind the judges and closer to the crowd, the judges weighed in.

Lionel Richie: “What I love is that you have the ability to tell a story and move the crowd. And what you did there was a great, great performance.”

Carrie Underwood: “I feel like we’re watching you get into a more comfortable fun space. I love that you picked a more up-tempo, groovy song. ... I think that’s going to differentiate you tonight.”

Luke Bryan: “Have run with all this. Grow, grow, grow. Expand and try new things. That’s what we saw with “All Night Long.” I think I kissed you on the cheek on the way back. You got me in the spirit. Keep growing.

Stallworth has wowed judges throughout the competition, reaching the top 20 by surviving three cuts:

Initial audition

Stallworth was introduced to the judges and America as a music teacher from Moss Point. For his audition, he performed “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey and received nothing but praise from the judges. Needing just two “yes” votes to advance, he received three.

Music icon Lionel Richie was the first with praise, saying “Your students are going to hail you as the greatest thing that has ever shown up in their lives.” Carrie Underwood, a previous American Idol winner, said “my teeth hurt because I am smiling so much.” Country superstar Luke Bryan was the last to judge Stallworth, saying he was just “thinking about how lucky the kids are to have you.”

Hollywood Week

Again facing elimination, Stallworth sang “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King. Hollywood Week was a series of two shows where the talent pool was cut from 127 to 30 singers. The show’s three judges, who all had glowing reviews of Stallworth’s audition, each stood and applauded after he finished.

“To take a song that we’ve heard so many times and just take it to the rafters of this place, you are a truly special person,” Bryan said.

Ohana Round

On a night where the number of singers would be cut from 30 to 20, Stallworth sang “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus. The episode was filmed at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai’i. Stallworth again received a standing ovation from all three judges.

Top 20 at Disney

The Moss Point native sang “All Night Long” by Idol judge Richie in an episode that aired last week, taking a big chance and getting raves from the judges, including the song’s original singer. The song choice was “the riskiest thing anyone is doing,” said country music superstar and guest judge Brad Paisley.

Richie was wowed, saying “I’m going to give a compliment that I’ve never given before. You took that song and made it yours. If you put that out tomorrow, I’ll split (the profits) with you.”

Bryan delivered a powerful compliment, adding “You might be the best singer in this competition.”

This story was originally published March 30, 2026 at 10:27 AM.