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Slater Nalley’s emotional American Idol audition centered on “Traces of You,” an original song he wrote from a poem by his English teacher, Michele Davis. The poem honored Davis’s late son, Carter. Nalley had first performed the song at a Lovett School chapel service in spring 2022, years before the audition aired during the show’s 2025 season.
What was the story behind Slater Nalley’s audition?
Davis asked Nalley to turn a poem she had written in memory of Carter into a song. According to The Lovett School’s account, Carter died in 2016. Nalley’s “Traces of You” grew from that poem, connecting a student’s songwriting to a loss felt by his teacher and school community.
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Nalley first performed the song at a Lovett chapel service in spring 2022. The school says he received an invitation to audition for American Idol’s 23rd season in September 2024. The audition therefore brought a piece of work that had already mattered within the school community to a national television stage.
How did the judges respond?
The Lovett School reports that Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie were moved by Nalley’s performance and unanimously advanced him to Hollywood. The school attributes this feedback to Underwood: “I couldn’t have imagined you doing that any better.”
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Davis later described watching the audition to Georgia Public Broadcasting: “To hear Slater sing ‘Traces of You’ in front of celebrity judges and then watch the audition was truly surreal — just magical.” GPB’s April 1, 2025 report situates the televised moment in the relationship between Nalley, his teacher, and their Atlanta school community.
How far did Slater Nalley go on American Idol?
The Lovett School’s April 26, 2025 update reports that Nalley reached the Top 14 in season 23. This is a retrospective on the 2025 competition, not an update about a current season.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where can you watch another Slater Nalley performance?
ABC’s official American Idol video page lists Nalley performing “Over the Rainbow,” dated April 13, 2025. The page directs viewers to ABC or Hulu; availability may change.
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