Seventeen-year-old country sensation Slater Nalley delivered an unforgettable American Idol audition that left judge Carrie Underwood in tears. With his heartfelt original song, Traces of You, the Atlanta-based singer-songwriter honored his high school teacher, Mrs. Davis, and her late son, Carter. Inspired by a poem Mrs. Davis had written, Slater transformed her words into a moving tribute, proving that music has the power to heal and connect.
Nervous at first, Slater quickly found his rhythm once he strummed his guitar and let his rich, emotional voice take over. His raw, heartfelt performance captivated the judges and the audience alike, showing off a vocal tone and songwriting ability well beyond his years. As he sang, both Underwood and Mrs. Davis were visibly moved, their eyes welling with tears. By the time the final note faded, it was clear—Slater had won the judges over completely.
American Idol uploaded his audition to YouTube on February 28, 2025, and within a month, it had amassed an astonishing 2.7 million views. Fans flooded the comments with praise, with one writing, “What an authentic, raw voice. With a heart like that, this young man will go far.” Another added, “When you touch someone’s heart and bring a tear, you are a songwriter and singer. You have a gift.”
Slater wasn’t the only country hopeful making waves this season. Fellow contestant Sam Sparks, a 25-year-old singer-songwriter from Dardanelle, Arkansas, shared his powerful story of resilience after a devastating car accident left him in a wheelchair. Music became his refuge, and his original song Colorado Gray—which chronicled his journey—stunned the judges with its emotional depth and intensity.
After Slater’s performance, the judges showered him with praise. Underwood, addressing Mrs. Davis and then Slater, said, “Even though this was about your son, every single person that hears that can fill in that memory with somebody that’s in themselves. I couldn’t have imagined you doing that any better.” Lionel Richie, deeply moved by Slater’s songwriting, pointed out a standout lyric: “That one line, ‘Your life was like a river running home,’ that moves, man. That’s the one. Very powerful.” So impressed by his talent, Richie declared that they didn’t even need to vote—unanimously, the judges sent Slater straight to Hollywood.
With a unique voice, masterful songwriting, and a gift for storytelling, Slater Nalley is proving himself as a serious contender this season. If his audition is any indication, his journey on American Idol is just getting started.
