Slater Nalley, an American Idol season 23 contestant, performed a heartfelt audition with an original song, “Traces of You,” he wrote for his teacher’s late son, Carter Davis.
He spent his childhood in a foster care system in Atlanta, Georgia, and resides in Leelanau Peninsula, Michigan.
Highlights
- Slater Nalley’s parents supported his musical career and bought his dream guitar for Christmas.
- He was a key member of the Lovett community and graduated from the Lovett School in Atlanta, Georgia.
- Some sources claimed that he spent his childhood in a foster care system in Atlanta, Georgia.
American Idol has introduced the world to countless talented singers, and Slater Nalley has captured the hearts of fans with his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence.
His teacher, Mrs. Davis, shared her story with the judges before Slater entered the room. He wrote a song for his teacher’s son, who passed away eight years ago behind a Roswell Publix in 2016.
Mrs. Davis requested Slater to look at the poem she wrote for her son, Carter, which he turned into a song and performed during the audition.
Moreover, his audition made the judges emotional, and they comforted one another as Carrie Underwood wiped her tears away.
Bryan gave the judges a countdown when it came time for the final decision, and together, the judges announced his advancement to Hollywood.
This song ” Traces of You,” I wrote it for Carter Davis.
Slater Nalley
I didn’t know Carter before this happened, and when Mrs. Davis told us, I just felt this presence come into my life essentially, and I knew that I needed to do something. I went home and started working away on little notebook pages, and eventually it turned into a song.
Slater Nalley’s Parents Have Been Supportive Of His Musical Career On American Idol
Even though Slater Nalley receives much attention, many fans are interested in his past, especially his parents, who have been instrumental in his artistic development.
The 17-year-old country singer and songwriter is a private individual who hasn’t shared his family details with public sources.
Some sources have claimed that Slater Nalley grew up in a foster home, which proves that his parents were absent for most of his life.
He discovered his musical talent during his early years, and many speculated that music runs in his family. Likewise, his soulful performance suggests he may have inherited his talent from his parents or been encouraged by them from a young age.
For as long as I can remember; I actually can’t remember my life without singing.
Slater Nalley
Slater bought his first guitar in 2019, and his parents surprised him with his dream guitar for Christmas.
While we don’t know if his parents are musicians, his performances, which are often filled with emotion and depth, hint at a strong musical upbringing.
His parents likely played a key role in shaping his artistry, whether through church choirs, local performances, or simply a household that loved music.
Slater was a key member of the Lovett community and graduated from the Lovett School in Atlanta, Georgia. He earned the nickname “Lovett Lifer.”
I think that Lovett prepared me in my character. [There were] a lot of times where I was feeling down on myself, and I would always have the support of faculty. The main thing I have to thank Lovett for is Mrs. Davis; they hire really incredible faculty.
Slater Nalley
Slater Nalley Starred In Several Stage Musicals At The Lovett School
Slater Nalley has showcased his artistic versatility by stepping into the world of musical theater beyond performing original tunes and covers of his favorite country songs.
At the Lovett School in Atlanta, he took center stage in several productions, portraying iconic characters such as the Big Bad Wolf in Into the Woods and Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
These roles allowed Slater to channel his passion for storytelling through acting and singing, seamlessly blending his musical talent with theatrical performance.
He expressed his love for musical theater, saying he feels at home delivering captivating performances on stage as he does strumming his guitar in front of an audience.
With his performances, he hopes to make people explore their emotions. Jason Isbell, Tyler Childres, and Nathaniel Rateliff are his biggest musical influences.
He puzzled the audience at 15 while drawing crowds at Dune Bird Winery near Leland.
Here he was at 15 years old, singing with the soul and the pain of someone like Chris Stapleton.
Bekah Bell
He has a lot of maturity in his voice…and there’s this juxtaposition between this young, polite ‘Yes ma’am’ kid and a tortured artist storyteller who can devastate you with a song.
Furthermore, Slater expressed his desire to build meaningful connections and meet people he admires, whether well-known figures or everyday individuals who inspire him.
In 2024, he signed with multi-platinum hit songwriter Dallas Davidson’s Play It Again Music, a telltale indicator of the budding lyricist’s writing chops.
Nonetheless, he is ready to share his original music with the world and embark on an exciting new career chapter.
This season of American Idol marks the beginning of his incredible journey. He’s set to captivate audiences with his talent and passion.
Additional Information
- Slater Nalley began singing for fun but has realized how much he values entertaining others over the years.
- He has always felt most comfortable with a guitar, the first instrument that engaged him.
- American Idol season 23 premieres on ABC on March 9 at 8 p.m. ET.
