Megan Danielle Stuns With Confident Performance On ‘American Idol’: “Unbelievable”

“You were giving vocals and your confidence is on another level. It’s just so beautiful to watch,” Katy Perry gushed.

By

Andrew Wendowski

Andrew Wendowski is the Founder and CEO of Music Mayhem. As a 29-year-old entrepreneur, he oversees content as the Editor-In-Chief for the independent brand. Wendowski, who splits time between Philadelphia, Penn., and Nashville, Tenn., has an extensive background in multimedia. Before launching Music Mayhem in 2014, he worked as a highly sought-after photojournalist and tour photographer, collaborating with such labels as Interscope Records and Republic Records. He has captured photos of some of the biggest names, including Taylor Swift, Metallica, Harry Styles, P!NK, Morgan Wallen, Carrie Underwood, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Shania Twain, and hundreds more. Wendowski’s photos and freelance work have appeared nationwide and can be seen everywhere from ad campaigns to various publications, including Billboard and Rolling Stone. When Wendowski isn’t running Music Mayhem, he enjoys spending time at concerts, traveling, and capturing photos.

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Posted on May 15, 2023

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Megan Danielle; Photo Courtesy of American Idol/ABC

Megan Danielle showcased her incredible vocal range with two performances on American Idol’s Disney night on Sunday evening (May 15). 

Prior to taking the stage, the Georgia native visited Disneyland in California with her mother, Monica. 

They made a stop in Mickey’s Toontown where Danielle opened up about her having the opportunity to spend time with her mother.  

“Today, I’m here in Disneyland with my mama. This is my first time and it’s my mama’s first time and we’ve been having the time of our life,” she excitedly shared. “Spending time with my mom is a blessing because most of the time I don’t really get mom and I time. I love her so much and I’m excited that she could come to Disneyland to be a part of my journey with me.”

Megan Danielle; Photo Courtesy of American Idol/ABC
Megan Danielle; Photo Courtesy of American Idol/ABC

Paid Tribute To Her Mom On Mother’s Day

The former waitress then paid tribute to her mom in honor of Mother’s Day. 

“I know it’s taken a lot for you to be out here for so long, but I just wanted to tell you that I love you and Happy Mother’s Day,” Megan told Monica. “You know I’m not good at talking so I wrote you a note.”

The note read: “Hey mama, Happy Mother’s Day. Girl, I just wanted to let you know that after everything we’ve been through I love you so much. After yours & Dad’s divorce, you have done so much to carry this family & lead us into the right direction. You help us all feel so loved, even after that very hard part of our lives. There’s no one else I’d rather have helped me through this journey. You’re the reason I’m even here. You help me find the love of music and you’ve been there for every step of the way. I’m so thankful that God made you my mama and I love you.”

Megan Danielle; Photo Courtesy of American Idol/ABC
Megan Danielle; Photo Courtesy of American Idol/ABC

An Emotional Moment

The moment left Monica feeling quite emotional. 

“When their dad left, it hurt us all and we didn’t know what to do, but she has helped me in a lot of ways with my life,” Monica shared through tears. “If I get down too depressed she helps me. She gets me through it.”

Megan Danielle; Photo Courtesy of American Idol/ABC
Megan Danielle; Photo Courtesy of American Idol/ABC

Showcased Her Vocal Prowess

Donning a floor-length black dress, Megan Danielle allowed her unique vocals to shine as she covered Bebe Rexha’s “You Can’t Stop The Girl,” a tune that appears in the Maleficent: Mistress of Evil soundtrack.

“I feel like my mom can relate to this song because there’s been so many things thrown at my mama and I just want to tell her you can keep going and everything’s going to be okay,” she added before taking to the Idol stage.

Idol Judges Praised Her Growth

Her performance earned praise from the entire judges’ panel. 

“Do you have any idea how much you’ve grown? Do you have any idea?” Lionel Richie asked Danielle.

“I do now, yes sir,” she replied. 

Richie went on to applaud her vocal range as her told her, “keep it going.” 

Megan Danielle; Photo Courtesy of American Idol/ABC
Megan Danielle; Photo Courtesy of American Idol/ABC

“I mean, that was a stellar performance and what I think I love most of all is that you came out looking and that voice has gone to another level. That high note that you hit in the middle and at the end of that song was amazing,” Richie added.

Katy Perry also pointed out the high notes that Megan Danielle hit. 

“I think this is the most you’ve ever stretched your vocals,” she said, adding, “Literally, Megan that was like you competing with all of the big ones this time. You weren’t just the country girl with the gritty alto voice. You were giving us vox. You were giving vocals and your confidence is on another level. It’s just so beautiful to watch.”

Megan Danielle; Photo Courtesy of American Idol/ABC
Megan Danielle; Photo Courtesy of American Idol/ABC

“Unbelievable”

Luke Bryan called the moment “unbelievable.”  

“Yeah, the whole time I just want to tell you you’re a vocalist. I mean, that’s what that term is designed for. A vocalist is someone that delivers vocals just like you just did and it’s bigger than the girl we met in auditions and it’s bigger than the girl we put through a sing off,” he explained. “I mean, you were in a sing off for your life at one point and here you are Top 5, Disney week.” 

Megan Danielle then joined host Ryan Seacrest on stage and took a moment to reflect on her American Idol journey so far. 

“Really just because of everything I’ve been through and not only me but my siblings and my mama over there. It’s just really a reminder that we can keep going and nothing can stop us,” she declared. 

During Sunday night’s show, Danielle also performed “Carried Me With You” from Onward. She used this performance to showcase her country side. 

Ultimately, Megan Danielle’s performances earned her a spot in the Top 3 alongside Iam Tongi and Colin Stough. 

Each of the final contestants will release their debut singles on Friday, May 19.

Finale To Air Next Sunday

They will face off for the title of American Idol during the three-hour season finale of American Idol on Sunday, May 21 at 8 pm ET. 

Live from Hollywood, the finale will feature performances by the judges, Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie, as well as guest performers Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard, Ellie Goulding, James Blunt, Jazmine Sullivan, Jelly Roll, Keith Urban (who is also mentoring Top 3), Kevin Cronin from REO Speedwagon, Kylie Minogue, Lainey Wilson, Lauren Daigle, Pitbull, and TLC.

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Written by

Andrew Wendowski is the Founder and CEO of Music Mayhem. As a 29-year-old entrepreneur, he oversees content as the Editor-In-Chief for the independent brand. Wendowski, who splits time between Philadelphia, Penn., and Nashville, Tenn., has an extensive background in multimedia. Before launching Music Mayhem in 2014, he worked as a highly sought-after photojournalist and tour photographer, collaborating with such labels as Interscope Records and Republic Records. He has captured photos of some of the biggest names, including Taylor Swift, Metallica, Harry Styles, P!NK, Morgan Wallen, Carrie Underwood, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Shania Twain, and hundreds more. Wendowski’s photos and freelance work have appeared nationwide and can be seen everywhere from ad campaigns to various publications, including Billboard and Rolling Stone. When Wendowski isn’t running Music Mayhem, he enjoys spending time at concerts, traveling, and capturing photos.

See more posts from Andrew Wendowski

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