Daniel Stallworth, an elementary school music teacher originally from Moss Point, has made a name for himself on Season 24 of “American Idol,” the reality TV singing competition.
Stallworth has survived an audition and four eliminations to be one of only 11 singers remaining in the competition. While preparing for Monday’s live episode (7 p.m., ABC), Stallworth spoke to the Sun Herald about the experience.
Q: Have you felt support from South Mississippi?
I feel it every single day and I love it and want more of it.
Q: Have you had a moment where the weight of all of this hit you?
Periodically. Sometimes you can get overwhelmed, but it’s not a bad thing. You just have to keep pressing, keep working, and keep putting your best foot forward.
Q: You’ve been to Nashville, Hawaii, Hollywood … is your head still spinning?
I’ve actually had a moment to kind of process everything, so I’m pretty good now. The jetlag is gone. It was a long flight from Hawaii.
Q: This has all been going down in the middle of the school year. What has been the reaction there?
I’ve had full support. Everyone is excited, my coworkers and, of course, my students. I don’t think anybody is more excited than my students. I had a chance to talk with them yesterday. They were doing the moves and stuff from my performance. They told me about my outfit and everything. They were super excited. It made me feel good that I’m able to be an inspiration, especially to my students.
Q: Along those lines, Moss Point’s mayor said you are “an example of what we want all our kids to be. The way he carries himself and the life that he leads is so impressive.” What is it like to hear something like that?
It makes me feel really special that I’m able to have an impact on so many people. I try to walk the walk and talk the talk so that people can see my character, more than anything. I’m grateful for my gift, but I want people to say that I’m a good person above anything else. And I’m so grateful to God.
Q: I can’t even imagine the pressure you must have been feeling during your audition. What was that experience like?
It was a very, very long day. They had me going here and there and everywhere. It was very fun, though. I actually auditioned toward the end of the day, around 8 p.m. I had been there since 7:30 that morning. I was very antsy and ready to audition. When I finally walked in, I wasn’t as nervous as before I walked in. The judges make me feel special and welcome, as if I belonged.
Q: What has been the biggest surprise?
When they couldn’t announce the vote on the first live show.
Q: What was that like?
Everyone was at east for a moment, then we realized someone was going home next week, and we have to wait a whole week to find out if we’re staying or leaving. The good part was that all of us (that made it this far) have gotten so close. We’ve started hanging out with each other so we were grateful we got to spend another week together with the entire group.
Q: Have you had a moment where you felt “Wait a second. I could really win this thing?”
Yes, the closer I get to (the final). We have a lot of talented singers in the competition, really gifted individuals. So I know what I’m up against, but I don’t look at it like I’m against them. I look at it as if we’re all just trying to make it. So, no matter the outcome, we’re going to keep pushing and doing our very best to get to the next level.
Q: How are you feeling about Monday’s song?
Oh, I feel good. I feel confident and ready to keep doing my best.
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