With his original song, You Never Loved Him, 19-year-old Freddie McClendon of Greenville, South Carolina, won over the hearts of the nation and the “American Idol” judges in an audition that will be remembered for its unadulterated passion and poetic homage. Instead of letting the terrible circumstances of his father’s death define his memory, Freddie decided to pay tribute to his amazing life by dedicating the performance to Davis McClendon, who was killed in a hit-and-run on May 7, 2023.
“American Idol” contestant’s song for dad Davis McClendon, murdered in hit-and-run, brings judges to tears
He represented something far more than the week’s top true crime tale. He was our father. Before starting his soul-stirring performance, Freddie said backstage, “He meant the world to us.”
A Tribute Born from Heartache :
After shocking the town with his sudden death, Davis McClendon’s case gained widespread attention from both national news outlets and true-crime television shows. Freddie’s performance diverted attention from the hit-and-run specifics, which were subsequently connected to William “Bud” Ackerman Jr., Davis’ girlfriend’s estranged husband who was found guilty and given a 45-year jail sentence. His song was an intimate story that depicted a cherished father who had given him a passion of music and a hope for a better future.
One of Freddie’s favorite memories was of traveling to Nashville with his father, where he had boldly foreseen his future on Music City’s stage. “I miss him every day,” Freddie remarked, adding that writing songs became his haven and a means of preserving his father’s memory.
Judges Overwhelmed by Raw Emotion :
Freddie’s performance had an immediate and profound impact. Carrie Underwood, who was visibly moved and reaching for tissues, summed up the judges’ sentiments when she said, “Thank you for bringing that and sharing your heart. It’s so brave of you to decide that you want to choose that you want to choose the narrative—to remember him, not what happened, but who he was.” Luke Bryan, who called Freddie “our little modern-day Paul Simon,” and Lionel Richie, who praised Freddie’s ability to convert intense emotion into song.
In addition to giving Freddie a golden ticket to Hollywood, the trio’s unanimous “yes” signaled a moving moment on the show that connected with viewers across by fusing artistic expression with emotional grief.
A New Chapter on the Road to Stardom :
More than just a performance, Freddie’s audition is a monument to tenacity, the therapeutic value of music, and the lasting influence of a father whose life was characterized by inspiration and love rather than sorrow. Freddie’s journey is expected to inspire many as he moves on to the next stage of “American Idol,” demonstrating that often the most heartfelt tributes originate from those who have experienced the loss the most profoundly.
With his compassionate lyrics and honest storytelling, Freddie McClendon is not only chasing his aspirations but also ensuring that his father’s memory stays a lively part of his life—a story portrayed not through the perspective of victimhood, but through joy, hope, and an unbreakable familial link.
ABC broadcasts American Idol on Sundays at 8 p.m. ET. Watch how Freddie’s adventure develops both on and off stage.
