Megan Danielle, the runner-up of American Idol season 21, has a tragic story behind her success. The 19-year-old Christian singer and songwriter lost her father, DJ Phillips, in a hospital in 2021, after he suffered from kidney failure. Her grandfather, Chuck Bass, who encouraged her to pursue her dreams, also passed away in November 2021. Megan Danielle had to overcome a lot of grief and pain in her life, but she also found strength and inspiration in her faith and music.
Her Father’s Influence
Megan Danielle was born in Douglasville, Georgia, in 2003, to parents DJ Phillips and Monica Page. Her father was an electrical expert and the owner of Phillips Electrical. He was also a proud supporter of the Christian faith and often shared posts about Jesus’ teachings on his social media accounts. He was separated from Monica, but he tried to remain involved in the lives of his four children, including Megan. He was always proud of his daughter and her talent, and he expressed his joy and admiration for her on Facebook and Instagram. He also attended some of her performances and cheered her on.
According to Sportskeeda, Megan Danielle’s father was not famous himself, but he had a famous cousin, country singer Travis Tritt. Megan Danielle inherited her love for music from her father, who also played guitar and sang. She grew up listening to country and gospel music, and she started singing in church when she was six years old. She also learned to play guitar and piano, and she began writing her own songs when she was 12.
Her First Christian Single
Megan Danielle dropped her first Christian single titled All Around on February 4, 2022. The song serves as a memorial to her father, who died in a hospital in 2021. The song is about finding God’s presence and comfort in the midst of suffering and loss. Megan Danielle sings, “You’re all around me / Even when I can’t see / You’re holding me / You’re all around me / Even when I can’t feel / You’re healing me.”
According to Sportskeeda, Megan Danielle said that the song was inspired by her father’s last words to her. He told her, “I love you, and I’m proud of you. And I’ll see you again.” She said that those words gave her hope and peace, and she wanted to share that message with others who are going through similar situations. She said, “I hope this song can help someone else who is hurting or feeling alone. I hope they can feel God’s love and presence all around them.”
Her American Idol Journey
Megan Danielle auditioned for American Idol season 21 in 2023, with a powerful rendition of Adele’s Remedy. She impressed the judges with her raw and emotional voice, and she received a golden ticket to Hollywood. She dedicated her audition to her father, who had passed away a few months before. She said, “He was my biggest fan. He always believed in me. He always told me I could do anything I wanted to do.”
Megan Danielle made it to the top 10 of the competition, and she continued to wow the judges and the viewers with her performances. She sang songs by artists such as Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Lauren Daigle, and Demi Lovato. She also showcased her original songs, such as All Around, Stronger, and Break Free. She received praises from the judges for her authenticity, vulnerability, and maturity. Lionel Richie called her “a force to be reckoned with.” Katy Perry said she had “a gift from God.” Luke Bryan said she had “a voice that cuts through everything.”
Megan Danielle made it to the finale of American Idol season 21, along with Iam Tongi and Colin Stough. She performed a duet with Travis Tritt, her father’s cousin, and sang his hit song, It’s a Great Day to Be Alive. She also sang her original song, Break Free, which is about overcoming her past struggles and finding her identity and purpose. She said, “This song is very personal to me. It’s about breaking free from the chains that have held me back. It’s about finding myself and finding God.”
Megan Danielle was named the runner-up of American Idol season 21, losing to Iam Tongi, who also had a similar story of losing his father to kidney failure. Megan Danielle congratulated Iam Tongi and thanked her fans for their support. She said, “I’m so grateful for this opportunity. I’m so thankful for everyone who voted for me and believed in me. This is just the beginning for me. I’m not going to stop making music. I’m going to keep sharing my story and my faith with the world.”