Freddie McClendon, a contestant on “American Idol,” brought the judges to tears with a moving performance of an original song. The song was about his late father, Davis McClendon, who tragically lost his life in a hit-and-run accident in May 2023. During his audition, Freddie shared how he felt about his dad’s death. He wanted to honor his father’s life, not just focus on his death. His emotional performance left the judges speechless.

The Story Behind the Song

Freddie, 19, explained that everyone around him was focused on the tragic end of his father’s life. But Freddie wanted to focus on the good memories. His song, titled “You Never Loved Him,” was a tribute to his dad, capturing his spirit and life. Freddie told the judges, “Everyone was focusing on his death, but I wanted to tell the story of his life.” He hoped the song would help people understand who his father was beyond the tragedy. Everyone now knows he is a talented American Idol contestant.

The Day He Lost His Father

Freddie shared a painful memory of the day he learned about his father’s death. He recalled waking up to the sad news from his mom. It was a moment he would never forget. The heartbreak was overwhelming. In the audition, the American Idol contestant opened up to the judges about the shock and sadness he felt that day.

Davis McClendon’s Tragic Death

Davis McClendon, 46, died after a car accident in Greenwood, South Carolina, on May 7, 2023. At first, investigators thought someone had hit him with a car. The oil trail at the scene led authorities to the house of Bud Ackerman, the estranged husband of Davis’s girlfriend, Meredith Haynie. Authorities arrested Ackerman and charged him with Davis McClendon’s murder.

A jury convicted Ackerman after a seven-day trial in the fall of 2023. The judge sentenced him to 45 years in prison. Ackerman is not eligible for parole. He won’t be released until 2068. While Ackerman is also appealing his conviction, he remains behind bars for now. This is because of the incident involving the father of an “American Idol” contestant. After the appeal, his next steps will depend on the outcome of the case, but for now, he stays in prison.

A Son’s Love for His Father

Freddie described his dad as an amazing person. He said, “He was an absolutely wonderful person. He would do anything for anybody.” Freddie explained that they would talk about everything. His father always understood him. Freddie’s love for his dad was clear as he spoke about him. The bond they shared was strong. Losing his father left a deep hole in Freddie’s heart. It’s clear that the American Idol contestant had a strong bond with his father.

Turning to Music for Comfort

After his father’s death, Freddie found comfort in music. He started writing songs a year ago. Music helped him express the emotions he couldn’t put into words. His mother said, “Freddie lost his best friend. How do you get those feelings out? He turned to writing songs.” Through his music, Freddie was able to keep his father’s memory alive. The American Idol contestant’s songs became a way for him to heal and share his grief with others.

An Emotional Audition

Freddie’s performance on “American Idol” was powerful. The judges were moved by his bravery and the emotion he poured into his song. Luke Bryan, one of the judges, compared Freddie to a “modern-day Paul Simon.” He praised Freddie’s songwriting ability. Moreover, all three judges—Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie—were deeply impressed with his performance. They praised Freddie for his courage and honesty. In the end, they sent the American Idol contestant to the next round in Hollywood, giving him a chance to continue his journey on the show.