Re-Live Megan Danielle’s Faith-Fueled Journey to The Top 3 On ‘American Idol’

Re-live Megan Danielle’s American Idol journey: from 20-year-old small-town waitress to the national stages.

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.

Editorial Policy

|

Posted on May 21, 2023

Share on:

Megan Danielle; Photo Courtesy of American Idol

American Idol viewers have witnessed a true transformation as they watched Megan Danielle blossom from a shy waitress to a budding superstar throughout Season 21 of the singing competition show.   

During her audition, Megan Danielle shared the inspiring story of how her late grandfather impacted her music career. 

“My childhood, I would always spend most of my time at the shop with my Grandpa. He was definitely one of my biggest fans. It’s just weird without papa, but very sad cause everything reminds me of daddy. My Grandpa passed about a year ago and he was the most important person in my life,” she explained. 

Megan Danielle, Lauren Daigle; Photo Courtesy of American Idol, ABC
Megan Danielle, Lauren Daigle; Photo Courtesy of American Idol, ABC

She recalled how he helped her navigate her budding career and ultimately helped her discover who she is as an artist. 

“When I was 18, I had a band and we were singing at all different types of bars and venues. I didn’t like performing at bars because I felt like I had to act like someone I wasn’t just so the people would like what they were hearing,” she explained. “There was one show I had one night and my papa was there and he pulled me to the side and said ‘what are you doing baby? This isn’t what you’re supposed to be doing.’ He looked at me dead in the eye and said ‘how can you sing for God and sing for this?’ and then I finally decided to totally switch to Christian music.”

Although her grandfather is no longer here, Megan uses her music to help his legacy live on. 

“It’s okay, he’s still supporting me up there,” she acknowledged. 

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

Standout Contestant

When appearing in front of the judges for her audition, Danielle received the surprise of a lifetime when two-time GRAMMY winner Lauren Daigle entered the audition room and began to sing with her.  

Danielle, who was visibly shocked, joined Daigle in perfect harmony. 

Following the jaw-dropping moment, Lauren Daigle and Megan Danielle bonded instantly. 

“Your story reminds me of my own so much, with your Grandfather,” Daigle told the contestant. “I want to hear what [the Idol judges] have to say.”

“Thank you, I love you. I feel like this is not even happening, I’m like thank you, God,” Megan Danielle added. 

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

Judges Blown Away

The judges were blown away. 

“Well, Megan, you know what you have is a real honest rawness. It’s like unpolished diamond stuff going on and I think when you start learning and we start giving you confidence and you start realizing you might can really, really do this. It’s going to be fun to watch you grow,” Luke Bryan said. 

“What you have is this thing in your voice that I am in love with and if I can get you out of your shyness and have it come through your vocal cords okay? And all we’re going to do at this point is push, push, push.” Lionel Richie added. 

Throughout the season, Megan Danielle went on to sing songs such as “Up to the Mountain (MLK Song)” by Patty Griffin, “Always Remember Us This Way” by Lady Gaga, “Easy On Me” by Adele, “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac, “Holy Water” by We The Kingdom, “Thank God I Do” by Lauren Daigle, “Angel from Montgomery” by Bonnie Raitt, “Go Rest High on That Mountain” by Vince Gill, “Head Over Feet” by Alanis Morissette, and more. 

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

Most recently, Megan Danielle took to the American Idol stage during Disney night to cover Bebe Rexha’s “You Can’t Stop The Girl,” a tune that appears in the Maleficent: Mistress of Evil soundtrack.

Debut Single “Dream Girl”

Ahead of the Idol finale, Megan Danielle released her debut single, “Dream Girl,” a tune that reminds fans to never give up on their dreams. 

Penned by Season 17 Idol alum Laci Kaye Booth and Logan Wall, “Dream Girl” finds Megan Danielle sharing a positive message to always keep going no matter what road blocks you may face along the way. 

“Dream baby / Close your eyes and let your mind take you somewhere higher / Dream, baby / Paint your sky ’cause it ain’t like someone could paint it brighter / Don’t let nothin’ wake you up at night / ‘Cause it’s a mean world so go ahead and / Dream girl / Dream girl,” Danielle sings on the song’s chorus.

American Idol Finale

Megan Danielle will face off against Colin Stough and Iam Tongi for the title of American Idol champion 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.

Re-live Megan Danielle‘s American Idol journey below.

Megan Danielle’s American Idol Audition

“You Say” by Lauren Daigle

Hollywood Round

“Up to the Mountain (MLK Song)” by Patty Griffin

Duets Round

Countrified rendition of Ed Sheeran’s “Dive” with Colin Stough

Solo Performance

“Always Remember Us This Way” by Lady Gaga

Sing Off

“Easy on Me” by Adele

Top 26 Hawaii Round

“The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac

Top 20

“Holy Water” by We The Kingdom

In Celebration

“Thank God I Do” by Lauren Daigle

Top 12

“Angel from Montgomery” by Bonnie Raitt

Top 10

“Go Rest High on That Mountain” by Vince Gill

Top 8

“Head Over Feet” by Alanis Morissette

Top 5 (Disney Week)

“You Can’t Stop the Girl” from Maleficent: Mistress of Evil

“Carried Me with You” from Disney’s Onward

Share on:

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

You may also like