Tonight on “American Idol” season 24, we had Taylor Swift Night on ABC. The Top 7 on “American Idol” 2026 were taking on some of your favorite Taylor Swift songs, along with a second performance featuring songs from iconic artists from California. Daniel Stallworth has been improving every week this season, so I was excited to see what he was going to pull out for this night of performances on “American Idol” 2026. Check out the Daniel Stallworth performance videos from tonight below in our “American Idol” spoilers.
Taylor Swift Song Performance
This is the title song of Taylor’s album, “Fearless.” Daniel is singing “Fearless.” This one starts off odd to me, as I am not sure what he is singing. As it kicks in, I get the song. He is up there and having fun with this one, so it’s nice to see. He’s quiet in parts, so I don’t know if it’s the arrangement or if he forgot lyrics? He ends with some big notes.
For the judges, Lionel said he loves that he walks out on this stage, and he is fearless. Not only does he sing, but he performs. The crowd is right there with you. Carrie said this is another example of throwing different songs at them, and how do I put my stamp on it? He did a great job of it, and he made it a Daniel song. Nikki said he brought something different to it. She wanted to touch him, and she was fangirling. That was so fun. Luke said the entertainment quality of what he just did was at a high level. He made the room comfortable. That’s what it’s all about.
California Song Performance on ‘American Idol’
Daniel said being here in California has been nothing short of amazing. He’s just felt free, and why he chose this song. It’s been his best part, just chasing his dream. For this performance, Daniel is singing “Best Part” by Daniel Caesar featuring H.E.R. He starts behind the piano, but then gets up and sings. Maybe it’s because I don’t know the song, but this one didn’t work for me. He had some good notes in there and hit those high notes toward the end. However, I just wasn’t a big fan of this one. Daniel definitely had some good notes mixed in there, but it didn’t do it for me tonight.
For the judges, Carrie said you sang all the notes. Your voice is like butter on hot toast. It’s a joy to listen to you. Nikki said such a versatile performance. I can see a full show from you, and I’m excited to watch more from you. Luke said the growth of this group is hard to wrap my brain around. This is amazing, watching you guys get creative. It was amazing. Lionel said in musical term of that, it was a z-flat. I’ve never heard that. It was amazing.
What did you think of Daniel’s performances on “American Idol” tonight?
