Freddie McClendon, an “American Idol” of season 23, came to his audition with a mission beyond the safety of a ticket in Hollywood; He also wanted to explain his father to the world.
McClendon prepared to sing his original melody “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 to national news and for MCClendon, it was important to share more information about Davis’s life on a platform such as “American Idol” two years later.
“It was a much bigger thing than the true crime story of the week,” he said. “He was our father and it meant the world for us.”
Judge Luke Bryan compared McClendon to a “modern day Paul Simon” after the hearing, while Judge Carrie Underwood fought the tears.
“It’s so brave of you deciding that you want to choose the story,” he said.
Judge Lionel Richie encouraged McClendon to bring his family to the Hearing Room, where the three judges agreed to give him a gold ticket.
“I am so proud that I was able to tell the story of my father and it meant the world that resonated with Carrie Underwood,” he said. “Dad, let’s go to Hollywood.”