As part of the ‘American Idol’ competition for the top eight contestants, a judge secretly selects the next song for each artist to sing. For Megan Danielle, judge Luke Bryan chose “Go Rest High on the Mountain” by Vince Gill.
The country song’s lyrics are moving and often used as a tribute to a loved one who has passed.
I know your life
On earth was troubled
And only you could know the pain
You weren’t afraid to face the devil
You were no stranger to the rain
Go rest high on that mountain
Son your work on earth is done
Go to heaven a-shoutin’
Love for the Father and the Son
Unbeknownst to Luke Bryan, the Song Has Deep Meaning for Megan Danielle
The judges didn’t know this part of Danielle’s story: she sang the song “Go Rest High on that Mountain” at her grandfather’s funeral. At the competition, she decided to sing it as an ongoing tribute to her late “papa.”
On her Facebook page following the performance, Danielle wrote, “Thank y’all from the bottom of my heart!” She continued, “This was one of my most challenging performances but what a way to honor my papa! Thank you God! 11.24 🌟🕊️#Idol #TeamMegan #Top8 #AmericanIdol”
And, she nailed it. With an emotional start to the song, her vocals and stage presence were spot on.
Since the song was chosen secretly by one of the judges, emcee Ryan Seacrest gave Danielle the opportunity to guess which judge chose the song. Danielle wondered whether judge Lionel Richie was the one—as she has said he reminds her of her late ‘papa.’
Richie was touched and honored, though he said he hadn’t chosen the song. Instead, he said, “I saw you at the beginning crack because you almost kind of lost it,” Richie said. “But, even that worked as far as telling your story. I know your papa is very happy with what you did today.”
“You have the amazing ability to touch a lot of people…when it comes down to just telling your story,” Richie commented.
Luke Bryan Calls Megan Danielle’s ‘American Idol’ Performance ‘Perfect’
As judge Luke Bryan revealed that it was he who chose “Go Rest High on that Mountain,” he said, “You said you wanted to hug whoever picked it.” Bryan continued, “Come get your hug.”
Bryan continued to share more about Danielle and how she lives out her life genuinely as a contestant. “What I love about you—I mean, we’re way beyond loving your voice—is you’re never scared to tell everybody about your faith.”
Danielle has been open and upfront about her life-long faith in Jesus. She was close to her grandfather until he passed just a couple of years ago. She has said her “papa” was instrumental in her deciding to sing solely Christian music in her career.
Growing up in Georgia, Danielle has a strong appreciation and love for her family. After her parents divorced, she was primarily raised by her single mom who works as a waitress. The two—Danielle and her mom—both work as waitresses in a quaint restaurant in their hometown.
