A new country superstar is taking over American Idol this year. Daniel Marshall Griffith is a Virginia native and former Virginia Tech football star. For his audition, Griffith sang the iconic Garth Brooks ballad, “The Dance.” And let me tell you, he NAILS IT!
After knocking down the competition on the field, former Virginia Tech linebacker Daniel Marshall Griffith blew the competition away on his “American Idol” debut on Sunday night. The Chesapeake native is on his way to Hollywood after a unanimous “yes”… https://t.co/WdDexwKnB0
— GoDanRiver (@GoDanRiver) March 22, 2022
Related: “American Idol” Judges Luke Bryan And Lionel Richie Break Their Silence About Caleb Kennedy
Who Is Daniel Marshall Griffith?
View this post on Instagram
Griffith played football at Virginia Tech for four years and also played the guitar. And, he says he’s been singing forever, but not in front of people. However, he only starting performing in front of people 5-6 months before the American Idol auditions.
He’s a big fan of country music artists including Willie Nelson, Randy Travis, George Strait, Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, Eric Church, Kenny Chesney and Jason Aldean.
Former @HokiesFB player Daniel Griffith is going to Hollywood on @AmericanIdol!!
His intro video includes clips from Lane!!
Good luck @_DanMarshall ? #GoHokies https://t.co/deKaAhu0ui
— HokieFan (@Bluegrass504) March 21, 2022
He never even thought about playing professionally until he sang at his grandfather’s funeral, and his family encouraged him to give it a shot. Before that, Griffith said he had a deep fear of performing in front of people.
Watch his incredible performance below.
I’m not a country fan, but I like Garth Brooks, and Griffith does a great job mimicking the icon while still making the song his own. And did you see Katy Perry’s face? She was in love with him! And who could blame her? He is an absolute dreamboat!
Daniel: musician, football player, potential @Marvel character #AmericanIdol @_DanMarshall
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) March 21, 2022
Hello, Daniel. #AmericanIdol #Idol
— Chima Amanambu (@chimatronx) March 21, 2022
DANIELS VOICE!!!! #americanidol
— Wyatt (@Wyatt_fann) March 21, 2022
I’m tired of Garth Brook’s covers. When will someone have the BRAVERY to cover Garth Brooks’ ill-fated alter ego, Chris Gaines?
Related: Trisha Yearwood Recalls How Husband Garth Brooks Helped Her Through Her COVID Battle
Do You Still Watch American Idol?
I have to be honest. I haven’t watched American Idol since Reuben Studdard and William Hung. The show has seemed formulaic to me recently. However, this guy has something special that could get me watching again.
The story needs to be just as good as the singer’s ability, if not better. An ex-football player is a good, unlikely story, but I like that he struggled with stage fright. 25% of Americans have glossophobia in one way or another.
Also, isn’t it refreshing to see a singer who gets up there and sings with his guitar? No tattoos or weird earrings or anything? Just a dude, strumming his guitar belting out some Garth Brooks.
Here’s hoping Daniel Mithcell Griffith can take the pressure of being on the big Hollywood stage as he moves on to the next rounds of American Idol competition.
Does Daniel Mitchell Griffith stand a chance? Are you a fan of American Idol? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Next, Read This: Former Miss America Auditions For American Idol With “Jesus Take The Wheel“
More About:TV Shows
Read This Next
