Just days after American Idol Season 23 wrapped, Top 5 finalist Slater Nalley is wasting no time launching his music career. The 18-year-old singer from Atlanta, Georgia, has officially signed a management deal with Play It Again Music (PIA) — a Nashville-based agency founded by Dallas Davidson, a longtime friend and collaborator of Idol judge Luke Bryan.
The news, first reported by Music Row on May 23, 2025, comes less than a week after Nalley graduated from high school — a ceremony he attended via FaceTime while performing live during the Idol finale.
From Viral Audition to Rising Star
Slater Nalley first won the hearts of millions with his emotional Idol audition, where he performed an original song titled “Traces of You.” Written in tribute to his high school English teacher Michelle Davis’ late son, the powerful performance quickly went viral, amassing 5.9 million views on TikTok and setting the tone for Nalley’s heartfelt, Southern rock-influenced journey on the show.
Week after week, Nalley impressed the judges and connected with fans, ultimately finishing in the Top 5 of Idol Season 23.
Dallas Davidson: “Slater Nalley is Special”
Davidson, a multi-platinum hitmaker with songwriting credits on over 30 Luke Bryan No. 1 hits, didn’t hold back his enthusiasm for Nalley.
“Slater Nalley is special,” Davidson told Music Row. “This young man checks all my boxes when I’m looking at an artist. Not only does his raw talent immediately draw you in, but he is a kind person. At an extremely young age, Slater carries himself like a seasoned music veteran both on and off the stage.”
Davidson also praised Nalley’s parents, Slater Sr. and Katie, saying they’ve done “an incredible job” raising him.
Founded in 2021, Play It Again Music emphasizes artist-first values, focusing on raw talent, strong character, and individualized development. The agency is named after Bryan’s 2013 hit “Play It Again,” which Davidson co-wrote.
“I can’t wait to start making music with Slater,” Davidson added. “He is going to have an immediate impact in music — not just in the country genre but globally. PIA is extremely proud to represent him on this exciting musical journey.”
Nalley: “I’m Inspired Like Never Before”
In a statement, Slater Nalley expressed gratitude and excitement about what lies ahead:
“The past few months of American Idol have been nothing short of a blessing, and I feel more inspired than ever to create music that speaks to my fans,” he said. “The team at Play It Again Music believed in me from the start, and that’s given me a new level of confidence. I can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together. Stay tuned, y’all.”
Nalley’s debut single, “Traces of You,” was officially released on the night of the Idol finale through 19 Recordings, the label partner for the show. While it’s unclear whether future songs will be released through 19 or a new imprint, fans are already eager for more music.
Georgia Roots, Nashville Future
The connection between Nalley and PIA is not just musical — it’s regional. Like Nalley, Davidson and Bryan have deep roots in Georgia, a state both have supported through music education and nonprofit initiatives. Davidson sits on the board of the Georgia Music Foundation, while Bryan’s family and farm in Leesburg were featured on Idol Season 22.
Luke Bryan, who supported Nalley throughout Season 23, has not commented publicly on the signing, but his longtime connection to both Nalley and Davidson suggests the country superstar is likely cheering the young artist on.
What’s Next for Slater Nalley?
With a viral hit, a national platform, and now a powerhouse management team, Slater Nalley is primed for an impactful debut as a recording artist. His grounded personality, authentic storytelling, and Southern rock-country blend could carve out a unique lane in today’s music landscape.
As Nalley himself said, “This is just the beginning.”
