Just eight months after Meridian native Jamal Roberts claimed the American Idol crown, another Mississippian stepped into the spotlight—and didn’t waste a second making his mark.
During the Season 24 premiere on Monday, January 26, Daniel Stallworth, a music teacher from Moss Point, Mississippi, delivered a joyful, soul-filled performance that earned him a Golden Ticket to Hollywood and instant praise from all three judges.
Accompanying himself on piano, Stallworth performed Journey’s timeless anthem “Don’t Stop Believin’,” infusing the classic with warmth and sincerity. His smooth vocals and easygoing confidence had Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood smiling from the very first note—and by the end, the decision was unanimous.
Before taking the stage, Stallworth shared what truly drives him: his students. A graduate of Moss Point High School and Alcorn State University, where he served as chair of the gospel choir, Stallworth now works as an elementary music teacher—a role he clearly cherishes.
“I absolutely love working with kids,” he said. “They are my joy. I’m doing this for them—to show them you can reach your goals, never give up, and don’t stop believing.”
The judges couldn’t agree more about the impact he’s already making. “Your students are going to think you’re the greatest thing that ever walked into their lives,” Bryan told him, while Underwood added with a laugh, “My cheeks hurt because I’m smiling so much.”
Although this was Stallworth’s first appearance for many Idol viewers, he’s no stranger to an audience. He has built a strong following online, with more than 66,000 Instagram followers and 12,000 on Facebook, regularly sharing videos of his performances. One standout moment came in October 2025, when his rendition of Lionel Richie’s “Jesus Is Love” racked up nearly 900,000 views before his Idol audition even aired.
With his Golden Ticket in hand, Stallworth now heads to Hollywood Week in Music City, set to air in late February and early March. Until then, viewers can look forward to several more weeks of auditions as Season 24 continues.
The episode also featured another Mississippi hopeful, 15-year-old Tate Emmons, who impressed the judges with his guitar-driven performance of “Hard Fought Hallelujah.” While his talent was evident, the judges ultimately felt he needed more time. Despite encouragement from Season 23 finalist Breanna Nix, only Underwood voted yes, leaving Emmons just short of advancing—though the judges made it clear they hope to see him return in the future.
For Daniel Stallworth, however, the journey is just beginning—and if his audition was any indication, Mississippi may have another Idol success story in the making. 🎶✨
