American Idol fans are still debating whether Daniel Stallworth was “robbed” of a Top 5 spot but Daniel himself is already looking ahead, and his first big career update after elimination may be exactly what supporters were hoping to hear.

Just days after being sent home during the April 27 live episode, the Humble ISD music teacher revealed that he is preparing to turn music into his full-time career, with touring plans already on his mind.

Daniel and Brooks Rosser were eliminated after receiving the fewest viewer votes following the Top 7 performances, ending what many fans considered one of the most shocking results of the season.

His exit came despite delivering one of the strongest performances of the night—a soulful, piano-backed version of “Best Part” by H.E.R. and Daniel Caesar that had judges praising him from every side.

Carrie Underwood compared his voice to “like butter on hot toast,” while guest judge Nikki Glaser praised his versatility and said she could already imagine him leading a full tour. Lionel Richie called the performance “amazing,” and both he and Luke Bryan admitted they had rarely heard notes like the ones Daniel was hitting.

Earlier in the episode, Daniel also performed Fearless with a gospel-inspired twist, earning more praise from Richie, who told him, “You are fearless.”

Still, the live vote placed him in the bottom two, leading to major backlash online from fans who insisted the result made no sense.

Following the elimination, Daniel addressed fans directly with just six emotional words:

“He’s not done with me yet!!!!!!”

He followed that with a thank-you message to the show, and the post quickly filled with support from both viewers and fellow contestants.

Top 5 contestants Jordan McCullough and Keyla Richardson were among the first to respond.

Jordan wrote, “Eyes haven’t seen & ears haven’t heard… get ready! My brother for life! 🫡🙏”

Behind the scenes, Daniel revealed that he had actually prepared himself for the possibility of elimination, even while still fighting to stay in the competition.

“I had every intent of making it far in the competition,” he admitted. “I was just hoping for the best and working my hardest to get where I wanted to be.”

Rather than focusing on disappointment, he said he is choosing excitement.

“I’m excited for what’s to come,” Daniel shared. “I’ve been enjoying this experience, and I literally would not trade this journey for the world.”

One of the most meaningful parts of that journey, he said, was the friendships built with the other contestants especially Jordan.

Daniel revealed the two had already talked about this exact moment before results night.

“We’ve talked about this moment,” he said. “‘Hey, if one of us gets eliminated, or we both get eliminated, we’re still stuck like glue. We gotta keep calling each other and checking on each other.’”

He added, “I’m definitely going to support him 100%.”

Now, Daniel says the next step is clear: he wants to start touring and make music his full-time career.

That news immediately excited fans, many of whom had already been saying they could picture him headlining his own shows long before the elimination happened.

“I just want to get better as a person,” Daniel explained. “Not just as an artist, but as a person, and learn how to continue to motivate people and motivate myself, encourage myself, and encourage others, as well.”

With the official Top 5 now set—Keyla Richardson, Jordan McCullough, Chris Tungseth, Hannah Harper, and Braden Rumfelt—the competition moves toward the finale.

But for many fans, Daniel’s story feels far from over.

And judging by his own words, he agrees.

“He’s not done with me yet.”