Freddie McClendon Honours Late Father on American Idol Season 23

The latest episode of American Idol’s season 23, which aired on March 23, 2025, featured an emotional audition from Freddie McClendon, the 19-year-old son of the late Davis McClendon. Tragically, Davis lost his life on May 7, 2023, a death that sparked widespread speculation across the nation. Determined to pay homage to his father, Freddie performed an original song titled You Never Loved Him.

A Heartfelt Tribute

Freddie, a college student hailing from South Carolina, delivered a poignant tribute that deeply resonated with the judges. His heartfelt performance garnered praise, advancing him to the next stage of the competition. He was accompanied by his supportive mother and two sisters, who were visibly emotional upon hearing the judges’ positive feedback.

Freddie’s Reflections

Speaking to the camera after his audition, Freddie expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to share his father’s story, stating that he felt “beyond blessed”to be participating in the show. He highlighted the importance of honoring his father’s legacy through his music.

Audience Reactions

American Idol viewers took to X to share their thoughts on Freddie’s touching performance. Many fans were moved by the emotional weight of his song and praised his vocal ability:

“Freddie, wow. So brave. So beautiful”a fan wrote.

“Freddie is amazing,”another fan commented.

“Freddie made me cry, I miss my dad so much,”a netizen tweeted.

While many fans celebrated Freddie’s tribute, not all responses were positive. Some expressed disappointment in his vocal performance:

“The song was touching, his voice is a no,”a user reacted.

“Touching story, but he needs to sing a different song. Can’t tell much about his voice,”another netizen commented.

Judges’ Feedback

Before taking the stage, Freddie reminisced about cherished moments with his father, recalling their outings to Broadway in Nashville, Tennessee. He emphasized that his song was intended to celebrate his father’s life rather than dwell on the tragedy surrounding his death.

“My dad and I had a great relationship. He was an absolutely wonderful person. He would do anything for anybody. We used to talk about everything, and he really understood me,”Freddie shared.

The emotional gravity of Freddie’s performance left an impact, particularly on judge Carrie Underwood, who found herself in tears. She applauded him for his bravery and authenticity:

“It was a good song and you could just feel your heart behind it. Apart from that, your voice has something super cool and throwback about it,”she commented.

Other judges, including Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, echoed this sentiment. Luke praised Freddie’s “honest approach”to music, likening him to a “modern-day Paul Simon,”while Lionel commended his ability to convey emotions through his artistry.

Upcoming Highlights

Following an affirmative vote from the judges, Freddie received a ticket to Hollywood, marking a significant milestone in his American Idol journey. Viewers can catch new episodes of American Idol every Sunday at 8 PM ET exclusively on ABC.

For further insights and reactions from fans, check out more details here.