Freddie McClendon, a Season 23 “American Idol” hopeful, came to his audition with a mission beyond securing a ticket to Hollywood — he also wanted to tell the world about his father.
McClendon came prepared to sing his original tune “You Never Loved Him,” an ode to his father Davis, who was killed in 2023. The story of his father’s death had previously spread across national news, and for McClendon, it was important to share more about Davis’ life on a platform like “American Idol” two years later.
“He was something so much bigger than just the true crime story of the week,” he said. “He was our dad and he meant the world to us.”
Judge Luke Bryan likened McClendon to a “modern day Paul Simon” after the audition, while judge Carrie Underwood fought back tears.
“It’s so brave of you to decide that you want to choose the narrative,” she said.
Judge Lionel Richie encouraged McClendon to bring his family into the audition room, where all three judges agreed to give him a golden ticket.
“I’m so proud that I was able to tell my Dad’s story, and it meant the world that it resonated with Carrie Underwood,” he said. “Dad, we’re going to Hollywood.”
