Daniel Stallworth is an American singer and elementary school music teacher who rose to national attention as a contestant on American Idol Season 24 (2026). He is best known for his soulful audition performance of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’,” which earned him a coveted golden ticket to Hollywood Week. Stallworth’s background as a humble schoolteacher and his powerful voice have made him a standout on the show, prompting many viewers to learn more about his life and career. This biography covers Daniel Stallworth’s early life, musical journey, and answers common questions fans have about this emerging talent.
Early Life and Education
Daniel Stallworth hails from Moss Point, Mississippi, a small Gulf Coast city where he was born and raised. He graduated from Moss Point High School and went on to attend Alcorn State University, a historically black university in Lorman, Mississippi. At Alcorn State, Stallworth was heavily involved in music – he was an active member (and eventually chair) of the university’s gospel choir. In 2021, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Alcorn State (he has not publicly specified his major) and honed his vocal talents through choir and church performances. His upbringing in Mississippi and involvement in gospel music laid the foundation for his soulful singing style.
After college, Stallworth relocated to Houston, Texas to begin his career as an educator. By 2025, he was working as an elementary school music teacher while continuing to pursue music on the side. This move from Mississippi to Houston allowed him to gain professional teaching experience and share his love of music with young students. Stallworth’s faith and community also remained important to him; he often refers to himself as a “music preacher” and has been involved in church music ministry, reflecting the gospel influence in his background.
Career as a Music Teacher and Singer
Outside of television, Daniel Stallworth’s day-to-day career is as a dedicated music teacher for elementary students. “I absolutely love working with kids. They are my joy,” Stallworth said in an interview, explaining that he wants to inspire his students to pursue their dreams. As a music instructor, he not only teaches the basics of music but also tries to instill confidence and passion in children through singing. Stallworth has emphasized that his journey on American Idol is partly motivated by his desire to set an example for his students – to show them that with hard work and faith, they too can “reach your goals, never give up, and don’t stop believing”.
In addition to teaching, Stallworth is a gospel and soul singer who has been showcasing his vocal talents well before appearing on American Idol. While living in Houston, he frequently posted videos of himself singing on social media, steadily building an online following. His style is characterized by warm, soothing vocals with an effortless delivery and strong gospel influence. Stallworth’s ability to infuse soul into classic songs has earned him praise; one music blog noted that he has “great control over his effortless vocals” when performing. These qualities helped him create viral content online and set the stage for his transition to a national TV audience.
American Idol Season 24 Journey
Daniel Stallworth decided to audition for ABC’s American Idol in its 24th season, which premiered in early 2026. At 27 years old, Stallworth walked into the audition room in Nashville and introduced himself not as a typical pop star, but as a humble kids’ music teacher from Mississippi. For his televised audition, he chose to perform “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey, accompanying himself on the piano. His song choice and delivery struck a chord – Stallworth’s soulful, easygoing voice had the judges “loving every second of it”. All three judges – country star Luke Bryan, music legend Lionel Richie, and guest judge (and Idol alumna) Carrie Underwood – were thoroughly impressed and voted “yes,” unanimously sending him through to the next round.
Stallworth’s audition moment was packed with memorable feedback. Lionel Richie praised Daniel’s smooth tone, and Luke Bryan enthused, “Your students are going to hail you as the greatest thing to ever show up in their lives,” emphasizing what a role model he is. Carrie Underwood was smiling ear to ear throughout the performance, saying her “cheeks hurt” from smiling so much at his joyful delivery. The judges handed Stallworth a golden ticket – symbolizing his advance to Hollywood Week – and applauded the heart he brought to the stage as an educator-turned-singer. It was a particularly special moment for Mississippi natives watching, coming just eight months after Mississippi’s own Jamal Roberts had won Season 23 of American Idol. Many local fans wondered if Stallworth might follow in those footsteps.
Following the audition episode (which aired on January 26, 2026), Daniel Stallworth officially advanced to Hollywood Week. According to local news, the Hollywood Week rounds were pre-recorded and are scheduled to air in late February 2026. This means viewers will have to wait to see how Stallworth performs in the next stage of the competition. In his pre-audition interviews, Stallworth expressed that he’s competing not for fame, but to send a message to his students about perseverance and faith. That genuine motivation, combined with his vocal talent, has quickly made him one of the talked-about contestants of Season 24.
Social Media Presence and Viral Moments
Even before his American Idol debut, Daniel Stallworth had begun to attract attention through social media. He actively shares videos of himself singing on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. By early 2026, he had amassed over 66,000 followers on Instagram and more than 12,000 followers on Facebook – impressive numbers for someone who was not yet a household name. Stallworth’s content often features him performing soulful covers of gospel and R&B classics, sometimes from behind a keyboard or in a church setting. One particular Instagram video of him singing “Jesus Is Love” by Lionel Richie went viral in late 2025, garnering around 885,000 views and 126,000 likes even before his Idol audition aired. (Notably, “Jesus Is Love” is a song by Richie – who would soon become one of the judges hearing Daniel sing on Idol.)
Stallworth’s online presence reflects his positive and faith-driven personality. In his social media bios he describes himself as a preacher and musician, often using phrases like “Jesus is love” and sharing messages of encouragement. Fans who discover him through American Idol can find more of his music on these platforms, where he continues to post singing clips, updates on his Idol journey, and personal reflections. His quick rise in followers after the TV appearance shows that audiences are resonating with both his voice and his story. As American Idol Season 24 progresses, those numbers are likely to grow, and Daniel’s social media will be a key place for fans to stay updated on his journey and any new music endeavors he undertakes.
Public Interest and Why Fans Are Searching
With Daniel Stallworth’s breakout moment on American Idol, public interest in him has skyrocketed. Viewers across the U.S. – especially those who watched the Season 24 premiere – have been heading to Google with questions about this talented music teacher. Part of the fascination is due to Stallworth’s unique background: it’s not every day that an elementary school teacher steps onto a major stage and blows away superstar judges. This contrast between his everyday life and his show-stopping audition has many people curious to know “Who is Daniel Stallworth?” and what led him to this point.
Another reason fans are searching for Stallworth is the authenticity he brings. His story of doing this for his students and coming from a gospel music background resonates with a broad audience. Because he is a newer public figure, detailed information about his personal life isn’t widely available, which naturally fuels curiosity. For example, some are interested in his age and hometown (since he mentioned Mississippi on the show), while others wonder about his family, relationship status, or future plans. It’s also not lost on fans from Mississippi that Daniel represents their state on a national stage – continuing a trend after an Idol win by a Mississippian last season – so local communities are eager to follow his progress.
Given the limited public info, this article has compiled all the verified facts about Daniel Stallworth that are currently known. Below, we address some of the most common questions people are asking about him. As Stallworth continues on American Idol (and possibly beyond it), more details may emerge over time. For now, enthusiasts will have to enjoy the genuine glimpses he shares through interviews and social media, and root for him as he advances in the competition.
Frequently Asked Questions about Daniel Stallworth
Who is Daniel Stallworth?
Answer: Daniel Stallworth is an American singer and music teacher who became nationally known as a contestant on American Idol Season 24 (the 2026 season on ABC). Prior to appearing on Idol, he worked as an elementary school music teacher and shared singing videos online. His soulful voice and inspiring backstory as a teacher pursuing his dreams have made him a standout contestant on the show.
How old is Daniel Stallworth?
Answer: Daniel Stallworth is 27 years old as of 2026. (His exact date of birth hasn’t been publicly mentioned, but his age was noted around the time of his American Idol appearance.)
Where is Daniel Stallworth from?
Answer: He is from Moss Point, Mississippi, in the United States. Moss Point is his hometown, where he grew up and went to high school. Stallworth later attended college in Mississippi as well, before moving out of state for his career.
What does Daniel Stallworth do for a living?
Answer: Outside of his singing appearances, Daniel Stallworth works as an elementary school music teacher. He began teaching after graduating from college in 2021 and has taught young students, currently in Houston, Texas. Teaching is a big part of his life – he often mentions how much he loves working with kids and how his students inspire him.
What song did Daniel Stallworth sing on American Idol?
Answer: During his American Idol audition, Daniel Stallworth performed “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey. Accompanying himself on piano, he delivered a soulful rendition of the classic rock song. The performance was aired on the Season 24 premiere and earned him a golden ticket to the next round.
Did Daniel Stallworth get a Golden Ticket on Idol?
Answer: Yes. Daniel earned a golden ticket to Hollywood Week during his audition episode. All three judges voted “yes” after his performance, which means he advanced past the initial audition. A golden ticket indicates the contestant will compete in the Hollywood Week rounds of American Idol.
Is Daniel Stallworth married or in a relationship?
Answer: As of now, Daniel Stallworth has not publicly shared any details about his relationships or marital status. There is no public information available about a wife or girlfriend. It appears that he has kept his personal life private, focusing the spotlight on his music career and teaching. (Fans curious about this will have to wait unless Daniel chooses to reveal more in the future.)
How tall is Daniel Stallworth?
Answer: Daniel Stallworth’s height is not publicly known. He has not mentioned his height in any interviews or social media posts, and it isn’t listed in official sources. Based on appearance on TV he seems of average adult height, but without an official figure, his exact height remains unknown.
What is Daniel Stallworth’s net worth?
Answer: There is no credible information about Daniel Stallworth’s net worth at this stage. As a schoolteacher and new singer just entering the public eye, he has not publicly disclosed his earnings or net worth. It’s common for reality TV contestants to not have a reported net worth unless they had substantial fame or fortune prior to the show. Any figures you might see online are likely speculative.
How can I follow or contact Daniel Stallworth on social media?
Answer: Daniel Stallworth is active on social media. You can follow him on Instagram, where his official handle is @danielstallworthofficial. On Instagram, he frequently posts singing videos and updates; he had over 66,000 followers even before his Idol audition aired. He also has a presence on Facebook, where he shares similar content (his Facebook page had over 12,000 followers as of early 2026). These platforms are the best way to see more of Daniel’s music and get updates on his journey. As of now, there’s no public business contact email available, but fans can show support through his social media pages.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Daniel Stallworth has quickly become a beloved figure on American Idol Season 24 due to his authentic talent and uplifting story. From his roots in Mississippi’s gospel scene to the national stage, he embodies a mix of humility and passion that resonates with many. While he is still at the beginning of his public journey, Stallworth’s performances and character have left a strong impression. Fans and new viewers alike will be eagerly watching to see how far he goes in the competition. Keep an eye on American Idol and Daniel’s own social media for updates – this is likely just the start of an exciting musical path for the singing schoolteacher. If you’re inspired by his journey, don’t stop believing – and stay tuned for what comes next from Daniel Stallworth.