Freddie McClendon Moves Judges to Tears with Heartfelt Tribute to Murdered Father

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Freddie McClendon put his father’s tragic story into a song.

At the audition for American Idol, a 19-year-old performer touched judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie with an original composition he wrote about his father, Davis McClendon, who was tragically killed in May 2023.

Freddie mentioned that he truly dedicated himself to this around a year back; his father had unfortunately passed away in May 2023. This event made headlines both nationally and statewide, and there was a great deal of attention surrounding his death. However, Freddie wished to share the story of his father’s life rather than just focusing on his passing.

In October 2024, the man who was once married to Davis’ girlfriend Meredith Haynie, identified as William “Bud” Ackerman, was sentenced to 45 years in prison. This followed his conviction for deliberately striking and killing Davis in what had initially been thought to be a hit-and-run accident. The case gained widespread attention after it was reported on local news and shows such as 48 Hours and Court TV.

For Freddie, his song embodied the man behind the sensationalized story.

Freddie shared, “I feel his absence daily.” Moreover, amidst this difficult time following his passing, it’s disheartening to hear others discuss the person he was, as they did not know him in the intimate way we did. To us, he was more than just a subject of the week’s true crime story; he was our father. He held immense significance in our lives.

He spoke highly of his father, expressing that they shared a terrific bond. In his words, his father was an exceptional individual who went out of his way to help anyone. They had deep conversations about various topics, and he felt his father truly comprehended him.

Following his performance, Freddie moved Carrie to tears with her admiration, as she acknowledged his courage for sharing his personal tale.

She expressed gratitude for his contribution and openness, saying, “It takes courage to decide on the story you wish to tell, and to remember him in a positive light rather than focusing on what happened to him. Your family must be incredibly supportive, and your performance was touching, with your emotions clearly resonating through it.

Once Freddie secured approval from all the judges, he was presented with an opportunity to travel to Hollywood to advance further in the American Idol competition.

He expressed his joy after obtaining his golden ticket, saying, “I’m so happy I could share my father’s tale.” It was truly special when it struck a chord with Carrie Underwood, making the moment even more incredible. I feel incredibly fortunate beyond words.

 

For more on contestants who’ve shared their story while competing on American Idol, keep reading…

Nikko, son of the legendary Major League Baseball player Ozzie Smith, showcased his vocal talents on season 4 of “American Idol,” performing Stevie Wonder’s classic hit “All I Do.

Nikko made it to the top nine before he was eliminated. 

Jordan, the daughter of former New York Giants player Phillippi Sparks, took part in season 6 of American Idol. During her audition held in Seattle, Washington, she sang Celine Dion’s “Because You Love Me.

She secured affirmative responses from Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson, leading her to emerge victorious that season.

Since 2007, the singer of “Battlefield” has released numerous popular songs and earned a Grammy nomination in 2009 for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals for “No Air,” her duet with Chris Brown. In 2024, she was also nominated for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song for “Love Me Like I Am” alongside For King & Country.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d put it this way: In the tenth season of my favorite show, I came across a remarkable moment where Lara, daughter of the legendary Tom Johnston from The Doobie Brothers, performed Stevie Wonder’s “All I Do” during her audition in San Francisco, California. What a captivating performance that was!

She made it to the Hollywood round and was eliminated. 

comedian Jim Carrey’s daughter, Jane, competed as a contestant in season 11, performing Bonnie Raitt’s “Something to Talk About” in the city of San Diego, California.

Jane made it to the first round of Hollywood week before being eliminated. 

Previously with the St. Louis Cardinals, Joe Magrane’s child Shannon, too, participated in season 11 of the competitive show. She delivered a captivating rendition of Etta James’ “Something’s Got a Hold on Me,” which earned a positive response from all judges.

Shannon secured a spot in the top 11 before she was sent home. 

Gianna, who is the child of ’80s popular singer Brenda K. Starr, tried out for season 15 of the show. During her audition, she sang her mother’s famous tune “I Still Believe,” leaving the judges amazed.

The New Jersey contestant finished with a place in the top ten. 

Amelia, the child of pianist and “Great Balls of Fire” composer Jack Hammer, appeared as a contestant during season 16 of ‘American Idol’. In Savannah, Georgia, she sang “Gimme Shelter” by The Rolling Stones, which impressed all judges – Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan – enough to grant her a spot in the competition.

She secured a spot in the top 24 before being eliminated. 

Claudia, a daughter of Kellyanne Conway, who was formerly a Senior Counselor for President Donald Trump, and George Conway, a former advisor to the same president, tried out for season 19.

On November 16, Katy shared an Instagram post where she expressed, “It seems like it’s time to play as Claudia has auditioned for American Idol.

The influencer performed “When We Were Young” by Adele and “Love on the Brain” by Rihanna during the competition, but unfortunately received a rejection from Luke. However, they managed to secure approval from both Katy and Lionel. Claudia progressed as far as the Hollywood round before being eliminated.

For Season 20, Ava, daughter of Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, showcased her talent by performing Stevie Wonder’s “Lately.” Impressed by her performance, the judges advanced her to the next round, known as the Hollywood round.

She advanced to the final 14, performing “Sign of the Times” by Harry Styles, but unfortunately, her performance fell short of what was needed to continue in the contest.

Additionally, joining the competition during season 20 will be Leah – daughter of Honeymoon Suite guitarist Derry Grehan – who sang “Steal My Girl” by One Direction during her audition in Nashville, earning her a place in the following round.

In the competition, she advanced to the finals, performing “Cover Me” by Bruce Springsteen and an original piece titled “Flowers.” However, ultimately, she did not win.

In the audition for season 21 in Nashville, Lyric, who is Glenn Mederios’ daughter, sang “Love Me Like You Mean It” by Kelsea Ballerini. However, Katy Perry suggested that she should perform a more challenging song instead, which led to her singing Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats.

In a turn of events, although Luke cast a ‘no’ vote, both Katy and Lionel advanced Luke further in the competition. However, Lyric did not make it past the following stages in the Hollywood round.

Juan Pablo, a former alumnus of Bachelor’s university, shared that his daughter Camila had tried out for season 22 of American Idol. She showcased her talent by singing Joaquina’s “Rabia.” However, before she took the stage, Juan confessed he felt anxious about his daughter stepping into the limelight.

He shared that when the chance arose, she expressed interest. His response was, “I’m not sure if you’re ready yet.” That was last year. He mentioned, “Perhaps next year then.” Now, look at her! So, we’ll have to wait and see how it unfolds.

Lionel didn’t approve when it came to her, whereas Katy and Luke chose to advance her further in the competition. Nevertheless, she faced elimination during the Hollywood Week phase.

In the tradition of her famed country music grandmother, Loretta Lynn, Emmy showcased her own unique composition titled “Skinny,” which delved into her struggles with eating disorders during the audition for season 22. This powerful performance earned her the coveted golden ticket from Lionel, Katy, and Luke, who were all taken aback when they discovered her grandparent’s true identity.

Patsy Lynn Russell, who was a part of the country duo known as The Lynns alongside her twin sister Peggy Lynn, came to see her backstage.

Patsy commented that her daughter chose to audition for ‘American Idol’ because she wanted to be truthful about it. She believes that when you come from a musical background, the expectations can be overwhelming. The secret, she says, is not to try and fill those big shoes, but rather, to create your own footprints.

“Katy adored the show and commended her: ‘You’re an exceptional songwriter, just like your grandmother. You have a natural talent.’

Emmy made it to the Top 5 as a finalist in Season 22, but she didn’t take home the victory that season.

On March 9th, Baylee tried out for the competition show. During this audition, he sang in front of a new judge, Carrie Underwood, as well as returning judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. His performance included his own composition, and his father, former Backstreet Boys member Brian Littrell, joined him on stage to sing along during the chorus.

All three judges voted yes for Baylee, advancing him into the next round of season 23. 

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2025-03-24 18:20