For the third time in as many years, a Mississippian has reached the top 30 of the popular TV singing competition, “American Idol.”
Moss Point native Daniel Stallworth is the latest to do so, advancing on Monday night’s episode. During the second episode of “Hollywood Week in the Music City” for season 24, judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie narrowed the field from 127 contestants to 30.
Stallworth took the stage with “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King, and by the end of the performance, all three judges were on their feet.
“To take a song that we’ve heard so many times and to just take it to the rafters of this place, you’re a truly special person,” Bryan told the 27-year-old as the crowd erupted in the background.
Stallworth, who earned a golden ticket in late January with his rendition of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’,” now advances to the ‘Ohana Round at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii. On Monday, March 9, the judges will choose the top 20 contestants.
Stallworth continues Mississippi’s recent success on “American Idol.” Last year, Meridian elementary teacher Jamal Roberts won season 23. Coincidentally, Stallworth also teaches elementary school.
In season 22, Starkville teenager Jennifer Jeffries advanced to the top 24, and in season 21, Monroe County natives Colin Stough and Zachariah Smith were both top 5 on the ABC show.