Daniel Stallworth spent four years on the campus of Alcorn State University learning how to survive, strive and thrive.
Today, the 2021 music graduate is doing all three on one of the most watched stages in American television.
Stallworth, a native of Moss Point, Miss., earned a Bachelor of Arts in music from Alcorn State in May 2021 and is currently competing on Season 24 of ABC’s “American Idol.”
When he is not before the judges, he teaches Pre-K through fifth-grade music in the Humble Independent School District in Houston, Texas.
“I believe this is a divine purpose for my life,” Stallworth said. “People always told me to audition, but it wasn’t a place I saw myself in reality. I stepped out on faith.”
Stallworth’s path from Alcorn’s campus to prime-time television runs through Mississippi.
Daniel Stallworth, a 2021 Alcorn State University graduate and elementary music teacher, performs on the “American Idol” stage. Stallworth, a Moss Point, Miss., native, is competing in Season 9 of the ABC competition series. (Photo courtesy of American Idol/ABC)
After graduating, he began his teaching career in the Claiborne County School District, serving elementary students for four years before relocating to Houston.
The decision to audition for “American Idol” came during the current school year, a leap of faith rooted in a conviction he has carried since childhood.
“I realized at an early age that singing was more than something I loved,” he said. “I knew God had given me a gift to share with people, and I’m living my purpose.”
Stallworth chose Alcorn State not for its rankings or its rankings alone, but for something harder to quantify.
“Alcorn is a family-oriented institution, and I felt the love during my first visit,” he said.
He credits several members of the faculty and staff for shaping the musician and educator he has become, naming Dr. Renardo Murray, Tony Gordon and Linda McDonald among those who pushed him toward his potential.
“They pushed me to be the best I could possibly be,” Stallworth said.
Daniel Stallworth, a 2021 Alcorn State University graduate, shares a moment with “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest during Season 9 of the ABC competition series. Stallworth, a Moss Point, Miss., native and elementary music teacher, is representing Alcorn State on a national stage. (Photo courtesy of American Idol/ABC)
Among his most cherished memories was serving as musician and director of the ASU Gospel Choir (GC) and the trips the ensemble made together.
“[I had] so much fun with my GC family,” he said. “Those memories are never forgotten.”
The “American Idol” experience, Stallworth said, has been nothing short of remarkable. The pressure has been real but so has the affirmation.
“I believe I do well under pressure,” he said. “The feedback from the judges made me feel like my work is not in vain.”
Stallworth carries a message for current Alcorn students and anyone watching from back home in Mississippi — believe in yourself, operate in your gifts and never quit.
“If you don’t believe in yourself, you shouldn’t expect anyone else to believe in you,” he said. “Everyone has a gift and a purpose. Believe that you can do it, believe that you will do well, and always put your best foot forward.”
How to Vote for Daniel Stallworth
“American Idol” airs live Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT on ABC and Disney+, with next-day streaming available on Hulu. Fans can cast up to 10 votes per voting method during each elimination round. Three ways to vote:
- Online: Visit americanidol.com/vote and search for Daniel Stallworth.
- Text: Text the number 4 to 21523.
- Social Media: Find the official American Idol pinned voting post on TikTok, Facebook or Instagram and comment “Daniel” under the post.
Alcorn State supporters are also encouraged to share the university’s social media posts celebrating Stallworth’s journey. Follow along and cheer him on!
