Eight months after Meridian native Jamal Roberts claimed victory on American Idol, another Mississippian stepped into the spotlight hoping to follow in his footsteps during Monday night’s Season 24 premiere.
That moment came quickly for Moss Point native Daniel Stallworth, who took the stage early in the episode and immediately made an impression. Accompanying himself on the piano, Stallworth delivered a smooth, heartfelt rendition of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’,” winning over the judges within moments. Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood each gave him a resounding yes, sending him through to the next round with a coveted golden ticket.
Stallworth is a graduate of Moss Point High School and earned his degree from Alcorn State University in 2021, where he also served as chair of the gospel choir. Today, he works as an elementary school music teacher—a role he says fuels his passion for performing.
“I absolutely love working with kids. They are my joy,” Stallworth shared before his audition. “I’m doing this for my students—to let them know you can reach your goals, never give up, and don’t stop believing.”
The judges were just as moved by his story as they were by his voice. After the performance, they agreed on one thing: his students are fortunate to learn from him.
“Your students are going to hail you as the greatest thing to ever show up in their lives,” Bryan said, while Underwood added, “My cheeks hurt because I’m smiling so much.”
While this may have been Stallworth’s first introduction to many Idol viewers, he’s already familiar with viral success. He boasts more than 66,000 followers on Instagram and over 12,000 on Facebook, where he regularly posts singing videos. One standout clip—a rendition of Lionel Richie’s “Jesus Is Love” shared on Oct. 3, 2025—amassed more than 885,000 views and 126,000 likes before the premiere aired.
Stallworth’s journey will continue at Hollywood Week in Nashville, which has already been filmed and is set to air on Feb. 23 and March 2. Until then, viewers can look forward to several more weeks of auditions.
“Your students are going to hail you as the greatest thing to ever show up in their lives,” Bryan said as Underwood added, “My cheeks hurt because I’m smiling so much.”
Another Mississippian comes close
Another Mississippi hopeful also caught the judges’ attention during the premiere. Fifteen-year-old Tate Emmons from Lake performed “Hard Fought Hallelujah” by Brandon Lake, accompanying himself on guitar. Trained by the uncle of Season 23 finalist Breanna Nix, Emmons showed confidence well beyond his years—and even received help from Bryan during the chorus.
Although the judges were impressed, it wasn’t enough to move him forward this time. Underwood voted yes, but Bryan and Richie voted no, ending his run for the season. Still, the judges encouraged Emmons to return in the future, suggesting this may not be the last time audiences see him on the American Idol stage.