Carrie Underwood gets emotional over 19-year-old’s stunning ‘American Idol’ performance

American Idol Season 23 continued its audition phase on Sunday, March 23, with Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan hitting the streets of New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville in the hopes of finding America’s next superstar. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, the two-hour show featured a blend of raw talent, emotional performances, and inspiring back stories. However, one audition caught fans' eyes above the others. Another, 19-year-old Freddie McClendon, gave an emotional tribute to his late father.

The young singer-songwriter walked into the audition room carrying more than just his guitar. His father, Davis McClendon, was tragically killed in 2023. The story made headlines across the country. But to Freddie, his dad was more than a news story. He was his best friend, mentor, and biggest supporter. Determined to share his dad’s legacy beyond just the circumstances of his passing,

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A story of loss and resilience

Before taking the American Idol stage, Freddie shared his story in a video package that aired before his performance. He recalled,

“One of my favorite memories—I was around 15 years old, and my dad took me to Nashville for the first time, seeing Music City and Broadway—he said, ‘You know Freddie, that’s gonna be you one day.’ It’s happening today!”

Freddie opened up about how his father’s passing affected him. He told the judges,

“I’ve been writing music since I was a freshman in high school. I really started doing it seriously about a year ago when my dad passed away. My dad was killed about a year ago in 2023. It became a national and statewide news story. Everyone was focusing on his death, and I wanted to tell the story of his life.”

Freddie’s mother also appeared in this American Idol segment, sharing how music became his outlet for grief. She explained that for Freddie, losing his father felt like losing his best friend, and with so many emotions to process, he needed a way to let them out. For Freddie, that way was songwriting.

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A song that moved the American Idol judges to tears

Freddie sang You Never Loved Him, an original he penned in honor of his dad, for his audition. When he sang, his voice mixed sorrow, strength, and raw emotion with each line that sent shivers to everyone, and the music itself became a path to keep his father alive.

Carrie Underwood, visibly moved, wiped away tears as she responded to the performance. Underwood said,

“Thank you for bringing that and sharing your heart. It’s so brave of you to decide that you want to choose the narrative. You want to remember not what happened, but him. Apart from that, your voice—there’s something super cool and throwback about it.”

Luke Bryan was just as impressed, saying Freddie's voice had a unique quality that reminded him of a modern-day Paul Simon. He felt that Freddie had something truly special—one of those voices that makes people pause and pay attention.

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Earning his spot in Hollywood

With three enthusiastic yeses from the American Idol judges, Freddie McClendon secured his golden ticket to Hollywood. The moment was bittersweet, as he celebrated this major step in his musical journey while still carrying the weight of his father’s loss.

For Freddie, American Idol is more than just a competition—it’s a chance to share his father’s story, heal through music, and honor the man who believed in him from the very beginning. As the season continues, audiences will be watching to see how his journey unfolds, but one thing is certain—his voice and his story have already left a lasting impact.

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Freddie McClendon’s American Idol audition wasn’t just about singing—it was about honoring his dad, sharing his story, and putting his heart into his music. He didn’t just walk away with a golden ticket; he left a mark on the judges and everyone watching. Now, as he heads to Hollywood Week, his journey is just getting started. But one thing’s for sure—his voice, his story, and the way he connects through music make him someone to watch.