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American Idol finalist, Moss Point native Daniel Stallworth makes homecoming appearance

Moss Point native surprises students at pep rally after Top 7 finish on singing competition

American Idol finalist, Moss Point native Daniel Stallworth makes homecoming appearance at former high school (wlox)
By Cody Heaster

MOSS POINT, Miss. (WLOX) — Daniel Stallworth returned to Moss Point High School following his Top 7 finish on American Idol.

Students packed the auditorium expecting a pep rally.

Stallworth, a Moss Point native and former student, surprised them with an appearance.

Stallworth, a Moss Point native and former student, surprised them with an appearance. (WLOX)

“Put yourself out there, believe in yourself, that’s my whole motto, and I wanna tell y’all: don’t stop believing,” Stallworth said.

Stallworth used his time on stage to share his experiences and encourage students to chase their dreams.

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Junior Jamelen Spain said the visit was inspiring.

“Moss Point can produce great things, and Moss Point does produce great things, as we see from Daniel Stallworth and other people that are doing great things in the world,” Spain said.

Moss Point High School junior and Daniel Stallworth following the surprise appearance. (WLOX)

Stallworth said the homecoming was meaningful.

“Moss Point raised me, and so I wanted to put on for my city, as we say, and I wanted to show my best,” he said.

Stallworth, a Moss Point native and former student, surprised his former high school with an appearance. (WLOX)

Stallworth also held a free concert at Jerry D. Alexander Stadium on Tuesday night.

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He performed a mix of fan favorites and original music for an energetic hometown crowd.

American Idol finalist Daniel Stallworth holds community concert in Moss Point Fans say the night was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of how far Stallworth has come and what his success represents for Moss Point. (wlox)

Stallworth said his family and community supported him throughout his American Idol journey.

ALSO READ: Moss Point’s Daniel Stallworth chasing dreams in American Idol competition

“I know they support me, I know they love me, but to see it in action, it means the world to me, man, knowing not just my family, but all of my friends, all of my city, all of home, man, it just makes me feel so good,” he said.

Back home in Moss Point, Stallworth's family cheered him on every Monday during the show. (WLOX)

Stallworth said he learned about his voice, confidence and performance ability during his time on the show.

“I can actually do it, you know, and so I want to encourage other people, hey, you can actually do it. If you get out there and just chase it, put your best foot forward, I promise you you’re gonna get the results you’re looking for,” he said.

Stallworth said he learned about his voice, confidence and performance ability during his time on the show. (ABC Entertainment/Disney)

Stallworth said believing in yourself is the most important lesson.

“Don’t stop believing. Continue to believe in yourself because you cannot expect anybody to believe in you if you don’t believe in yourself,” he said.

Afterward, Stallworth took the stage at Jerry D. Alexander Stadium as crowds packed the venue for a free community concert.

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