This year’s “American Idol” field was narrowed to single digits on Monday night with one Mississippian singing his way into the top 9.
Daniel Stallworth, an elementary music teacher from Moss Point, survived two rounds of elimination a week ago. During the latest episode, in which contestants were asked to perform songs from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees, Stallworth sang “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi.
It was the first time Stallworth had traveled to the 1980s with his song choice since performing “All Night Long” by Lionel Richie during the March 16 episode. Richie, one of the show’s judges, was over the moon with that performance, saying Stallworth successfully put his own spin on the hit.
Richie, as well as fellow judges Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan, were pleased with Stallworth’s take on Bon Jovi’s most popular song.
“I did not think I was going to like it and I was wrong. That was awesome,” Underwood said as Bryan added, “It was so you. Keep being you. You’ve got the magic.”
“Way to take Bon Jovi to church!” Richie exclaimed.
While Stallworth could be considered more of a soulful singer, the classic rock genre has played in his favor throughout the competition. During his audition, he sang “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey. The song’s title has become somewhat of a mantra for Stallworth who ends most interviews with those very words.
Other song choices throughout his run on “Idol” have included “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King, “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus, “Brighter Days” by Blessing Offor, and “It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over” by Lenny Kravitz. The show itself is designed to push contestants to try out different genres, and Stallworth has taken that challenge and thrived.
The fans have loved it, too, controlling the vote since the end of last month and choosing to send Stallworth into the next round the past three episodes.
By advancing on Monday, Stallworth became the fourth Mississippian to crack the top 9 over the past four seasons. Monroe County’s Colin Stough and Zachariah Smith both made it to the top 5 in season 21 before Meridian’s Jamal Roberts went on to win it all in season 23.
“American Idol” resumes Monday, April 20, at 8/7c on ABC. “Disney Night” returns with the top 9 tasked with singing iconic Disney hits with two contestants going home by the end of the episode.