Witness Freddie McClendon’s emotional American Idol audition, where he honors his murdered father. Discover his journey and golden ticket.
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Is it possible to turn sorrow into a golden ticket moment?
On the most recent episode of “American Idol,” Freddie McClendon, a 19-year-old from Greenville, South Carolina, did just that.
Instead of singing a cover, he gave his all in “You Never Loved Him,” an honest, original song that he dedicated to his late father, Davis McClendon.
What tragedy inspired this performance?
It’s a tragic story. Davis was tragically killed when he was struck by a Ford F-250 in the early hours of May 7, 2023.
The chauffeur? Meredith Haynie, Davis’s ex-girlfriend, was married to William “Bud” Ackerman Jr. According to court documents, Davis had entered Haynie’s life six months after Ackerman Jr. and Haynie separated, and they were just weeks away from completing their divorce.
Following the incident, police followed an oil trail directly to Ackerman Jr.’s home, where they arrested him.
Was justice done?
It did, but the injuries are still there. Ackerman Jr. was convicted and sentenced to 45 years in prison after a seven-day trial in October 2024.
Although he is currently contesting his conviction, he is not eligible for parole and is anticipated to remain incarcerated until 2068.
In a pre-audition video, Freddie recalled his father as “an absolutely wonderful person,” who “would do anything for anybody.”
After losing “his best friend,” Freddie turned to songwriting as a haven, according to his mother, Kristin.
What resonance did Freddie’s words have?
“I miss him every day,” Freddie said, lamenting the way his father was portrayed in the media. “He was much more than the week’s top true crime tale.
He was our father, and we loved him dearly. Freddie’s desire to make a “positive statement” regarding his father’s life was commended by Lionel Richie.
“We never got to tell him goodbye,” Freddie said in a heartbreaking performance.
We never had the opportunity to even attempt to alert him to the fact that you were insane.
How did the judges respond?
Emotion was thick in the room. Luke Bryan praised Freddie’s “honesty,” while Carrie Underwood thanked him for his “bravery” in influencing his father’s story.
Then came the moment of victory: Freddie’s family was there to celebrate his three overwhelming “yes” votes and golden ticket to Hollywood.
Quick Facts: Freddie McClendon’s American Idol Audition
- For his father’s murder, Freddie McClendon sang a song of his own creation.
- “You Never Loved Him,” the song, described the sad incident in detail.
- His honesty and unadulterated emotion clearly touched the judges.
- A golden ticket to Hollywood was given to Freddie.
- National news outlets covered William “Bud” Ackerman Jr.’s murder case.