Emotional American Idol Audition Highlights a Tragic Story

We’re accustomed to TV series like Law & Order drawing inspiration from the latest news stories. However, seeing this on American Idol? That’s quite unexpected.

The recent episode signifying Week Four of Season 23 auditions concluded on a compelling note with a heartfelt performance by 19-year-old Freddie McClendon. His father’s tragic murder had become a media sensation and sparked true-crime intrigue.

While Idol chose not to delve into the gritty details, here’s the background: On May 7, 2023, Davis McClendon’s body was found tragically pinned between his vehicle and another on a remote road in Greenwood, S.C. The investigation concluded that William “Bud” Ackerman Jr.—the estranged husband of Meredith Haynie, who had been dating Davis for several months—was responsible for the crime. At this time, Davis was already separated from Freddie’s mother.

The shocking incident became a frequent feature on numerous true-crime podcasts and television series across the country, including a recent episode of CBS’ 48 Hours.

Amidst all the focus on how his father met his tragic end, Freddie chose to share more about his life through his poignant original song “You Never Loved Him.” By the end of his performance, all three judges were visibly touched, with Lionel Richie struggling to find the words.

“Thank you for sharing that and her heart,” Carrie Underwood said, her voice choked with emotion. “It’s incredibly brave to choose to control the narrative—to cherish who he was, rather than how he passed. It was a beautiful song, driven by your heartfelt expression.”

Luke Bryan commended Freddie for his “genuine” performance style, likening him to “a modern-day Paul Simon or something.”

Other notable moments from Sunday’s Idol episode featured an audition from Carnie Wilson’s daughter, which included a delightful group rendition of Wilson Phillips’ “Hold On,” along with a memorable albeit brief appearance from Season 4’s runner-up Bo Bice.