Mississippi
Mississippi fans can now vote for Daniel Stallworth on ‘American Idol’ – SuperTalk Mississippi
Mississippi residents have a chance to help a homegrown talent become the second consecutive winner of ABC singing competition “American Idol.”
Daniel Stallworth, a 27-year-old from Moss Point, is looking to join Meridian’s Jamal Roberts in the win column after Roberts captured the title in season 23. Season 24 resumes Monday night with Stallworth among the top 20 contestants.
But from this point forward, Stallworth will need the viewers to advance.
For the first time this season, fans will be able to vote for who they want to move on in the competition. Traditional voting methods – online and through text message (text 4 to 21523) – will be available. It will also be the first time a reality competition has made the leap to social voting, meaning fans can vote in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
“You can vote up to 10 times on each platform for a total of 50 times per person, and when voting in the comments on social media, please make sure to spell my name correctly. All you need is my first name,” Stallworth said with a laugh. “But I’m looking forward to Monday and I’m looking forward to the support.”
Even though fans haven’t been able to vote up until this point in the competition, Stallworth says the support he’s received behind the scenes from his hometown and alma mater, Alcorn State University, has been “so encouraging.”
“Moss Point, from day one, has been standing by me even before this ‘American Idol’ journey,” Stallworth said. “They’ve shown their love and support the whole time. They always show me how much they love me. So I’m definitely grateful for my home city. Even my college, Alcorn State University, shouted me out after I received the golden ticket.”
Stallworth earned that golden ticket during the season 24 premiere when the elementary school teacher performed a rendition of “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey. Since then, he has taken the stage with “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King and “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus.
According to him, each song was intentionally chosen to express gratitude for the support he’s received while also offering a glimpse into the challenges of chasing his dream to become the next “Idol” winner.
“Each week, honestly, I try to paint a picture and tell a story from the beginning,” he explained. “With Journey…I wanted to send a message out to anybody who has a hard time believing in themselves or has a hard time with confidence. I try to tell them that no matter what you’re dealing with in your life or no matter how hard you think things are, don’t stop believing. Because there is something inside of you that is great and the world needs to see that.
“With ‘Stand By Me,’ I wanted the people who I know believe in me that as long as you keep believing in me, I want you to stand by me as well. That’s the thing. Even with ‘The Climb,’ this journey in itself has been a climb for sure. I’ve had moments that I was kind of second guessing my vocal ability and second guessing who I am, but I had to remember that I’m telling a story. I can’t stop believing if I’m telling other people to believe.”
Stallworth, who moved to Texas a few months ago to teach music outside of Houston, said he still carries Mississippi with him everywhere he goes – including now, as he competes in Hawaii on one of the nation’s most influential singing competitions.
“American Idol” airs every Monday at 8/7c on ABC.
Mississippi
Political speeches happening at Neshoba County Fair. Here’s the schedule – SuperTalk Mississippi
Mississippi’s most prominent political stage will once again be filled with elected officials and candidates looking to make their case to voters during the 137th annual Neshoba County Fair.
The podium, situated beneath a wooden pavilion in Founder’s Square, gained national attention when Ronald Reagan delivered a speech there during the 1980 presidential campaign. In the decades since, the venue has become a proving ground for candidates seeking office at every level of government, often serving as a launching pad – or stumbling block – for political ambitions.
With the 2026 election cycle featuring congressional midterms, this year’s fair offers challengers a chance to connect with voters while incumbents remain in Washington as Congress conducts business. The event also provides an early look into the 2027 statewide election cycle, giving fairgoers an opportunity to hear from current officeholders who may be considering bids for higher office.
Political speaking is scheduled for the mornings of Wednesday, June 24, and Thursday, June 25. Invitations are extended to Mississippi’s statewide elected officials, candidates seeking statewide office, and elected officials and candidates who districts include Neshoba County.
Wednesday, June 24
- 9:30 a.m. — Lane Taylor (R), state senator, District 18
- 9:40 a.m. — Michael Chiaradino (D), candidate for U.S. House, Mississippi’s 3rd Congressional District
- 9:50 a.m. — Ty Pinkins (Ind.), candidate for U.S. Senate
- 10 a.m. — Scott Colom (D), candidate for U.S. Senate
- 10:10 a.m. — Break
- 10:20 a.m. — David McRae (R), state treasurer
- 10:30 a.m. — Lynn Fitch (R), attorney general
- 10:40 a.m. — Delbert Hosemann (R), lieutenant governor
Thursday, June 25
- 9 a.m. — Scott Bounds (R), state representative, District 44
- 9:10 a.m. — DeKeither Stamps (D), public service commissioner, Central District
- 9:20 a.m. — Willie Simmons (D), transportation commissioner, Central District
- 9:30 a.m. — Jenifer Branning, Mississippi Supreme Court justice, District 1, Place 3
- 9:40 a.m. — Kenny Griffis, Mississippi Supreme Court justice, District 1, Place 1
- 9:50 a.m. — Break
- 10 a.m. — Andy Gipson (R), commissioner of agriculture and commerce
- 10:10 a.m. — Michael Watson (R), secretary of state
- 10:20 a.m. — Jason White (R), speaker of the Mississippi House
- 10:30 a.m. — Tate Reeves (R), governor
Republican State Auditor Shad White will not attend the fair due to military obligations. White serves as an officer in the Mississippi National Guard.
Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith and U.S. Rep. Michael Guest, both Republicans seeking reelection in 2026, will remain in Washington and not participate in political speaking at the Neshoba County Fair.
JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Gov. Tate Reeves said Mississippi’s total nonfarm employment reached a new all-time high in May, topping 1.19 million jobs.
The state said the number shows its economic development strategy is working. Workforce leaders said the job market includes opportunities for people who are unemployed or looking for better-paying work.
Workforce leaders point to training options
Blaise King, director of strategy and alignment for Accelerate Mississippi, said job seekers should not let timelines or a lack of skills keep them from pursuing work.
“Not everything has to be a degree. It can be short-term training that can get you into work quickly and making good money,” King said.
King said Mississippi is seeing strong demand for construction jobs, driven in part by new data centers coming to the state. He said those jobs can lead to long-term careers.
“Someone could very easily have a career in the construction trades and move up beyond manual labor to the project manager and things like that to really have a high quality of life for them, for their family, and contribute back to society,” King said.
Advanced manufacturing is also a high-priority occupational sector.
Employers looking for skills and commitment
John McKay, president and CEO of the Mississippi Business Alliance, said opportunities exist across job sectors.
“There’s really no sector where there’s no opportunity,” McKay said.
McKay said companies are willing to invest in workers who show commitment.
“They’re willing to put that money on the line because they are really there. There’s a deep need for skilled people who can come in and kind of be ready on day one, and they’re willing to invest that capital in that,” McKay said.
McKay said soft skills can help job seekers get started.
“I will say that employers are most excited about an individual that has the drive and determination to show up to work every day and put in the effort. And so if your problem is you think you have a lack of skill or education, do not let that be a barrier,” McKay said.
While opportunities exist statewide, unemployment rates show an uneven distribution of economic success. The rates range from a low of 2.5% in Rankin County to a high of 8.8% in Issaquena County.
Want more WLBT news in your inbox? Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
See a spelling or grammar error in our story? Please click here to report it and include the headline of the story in your email.
Copyright 2026 WLBT. All rights reserved.
-
Fitness2 minutes ago22 Trainer-Approved Bodyweight Exercises That Actually Build Muscle
-
Movie Reviews10 minutes agoMark Jenkin’s ‘ROSE OF NEVADA’ – Movie Review – PopHorror
-
World20 minutes agoMubi to Publish Lost ‘Faust’ Bible on Centenary of F.W. Murnau’s Silent Cinema Classic (EXCLUSIVE)
-
Lifestyle1 hour agoGreat movies you may have missed : Pop Culture Happy Hour
-
Technology1 hour agoThe best Apple deals you can get during Prime Day
-
World1 hour agoTrump says Venezuela earthquakes left ‘devastating number of deaths’ as US readies aid
-
Politics1 hour agoClosed-door outburst turns into victory for Trump’s Iran negotiations
-
Health1 hour agoFormer reality star opens up about new diagnosis after years-long health ordeal
