Daniel Stallworth, the elementary school music teacher who has captured the nation’s attention this year on “American Idol,” will take the stage again tonight.
Stallworth, originally from Moss Point, survived last week’s cut of two singers that reduced the number of finalists to 14. A second planned cut was not made and will, instead, is expected to happen at the beginning of tonight’s (7 p.m., ABC) episode.
After the remaining 12 contestants perform ’90s hits secretly picked by judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie or Carrie Underwood, another singer will be sent home from the competition.
Follow here for results of the first elimination, an update once Stallworth sings and the results of the final cut to 11.
Previous performances
INITIAL AUDITION: Stallworth was introduced to the judges and America as a music teacher from Moss Point. For his audition, he performed “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey and received nothing but praise from the judges. Needing just two “yes” votes to advance, he received three.
Music icon Lionel Richie was the first with praise, saying “Your students are going to hail you as the greatest thing that has ever shown up in their lives.” Carrie Underwood, a previous American Idol winner, said “my teeth hurt because I am smiling so much.” Country superstar Luke Bryan was the last to judge Stallworth, saying he was just “thinking about how lucky the kids are to have you.”
HOLLYWOOD WEEK: Again facing elimination, Stallworth sang “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King. Hollywood Week was a series of two shows where the talent pool was cut from 127 to 30 singers. The show’s three judges, who all had glowing reviews of Stallworth’s audition, each stood and applauded after he finished.
“To take a song that we’ve heard so many times and just take it to the rafters of this place, you are a truly special person,” Bryan said.
OHANA ROUND: On a night where the number of singers would be cut from 30 to 20, Stallworth sang “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus. The episode was filmed at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai’i. Stallworth again received a standing ovation from all three judges.
TOP 20 AT DISNEY: The Moss Point native sang “All Night Long” by Idol judge Richie in an episode that aired last week, taking a big chance and getting raves from the judges, including the song’s original singer. The song choice was “the riskiest thing anyone is doing,” said country music superstar and guest judge Brad Paisley.
Richie was wowed, saying “I’m going to give a compliment that I’ve never given before. You took that song and made it yours. If you put that out tomorrow, I’ll split (the profits) with you.”
Bryan delivered a powerful compliment, adding “You might be the best singer in this competition.”
SONGS OF FAITH NIGHT: The show began with the elimination of 6 singers: Kutter Bradley, Genevieve Heyward, Aboyami Lewis, Madison Moon, Makiyah Mustiful, Ruby Rae.
Stallworth was one of the first of the remaining 14 singers to perform, delivering a powerful rendition of “Brighter Days” by Blessing Offor.
Stallworth again received nothing but praise from the American Idol judges in his bid to survive the planned cut from 14 to 12.
The final 14
- Rae Boyd
- Jesse Findling
- Hannah Harper
- Kyndal Inskeep
- Julian Kalel
- Philmon Lee
- Lucas Leon
- Jordan McCullough
- Keyla Richardson
- Brooks Rosser
- Braden Rumfelt
- Daniel Stallworth
- Jake Thistle
- Chris Tungseth
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.sunherald.com ’
