Freddie McClendon, a contestant on Season 23 of American Idol, performed a heartfelt audition with an original song titled “You Never Loved Him,” dedicated to his late father, Davis McClendon.
His parents were separated, and his mom played a significant role in supporting him through this difficult time.
Highlights
- Freddie McClendon’s parents, Kristin and Davis McClendon, raised him alongside his two sisters in Greenwood, South Carolina.Â
- His parents were separated but nurtured his musical talents from a young age.Â
- Davis dated Meredith Haynie, whose estranged husband, Bud Ackerman, took his life.
Freddie McClendon is a 19-year-old Belmont University student from Greenwood, South Carolina, contestant who appeared on Season 23 of American Idol.
His heartfelt performance moved the judges, with Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie visibly emotional. Luke Bryan praised his honest and unique approach, even comparing him to a “modern-day Paul Simon.”
Freddie has captured viewers’ hearts with his soulful voice, infectious energy, and undeniable talent.
His audition stood out as he performed an original song dedicated to his late father. He earned a golden ticket and advanced to Hollywood.
Thank you for bringing that and sharing your heart. And it’s so brave of you to decide that you want to choose the narrative. That you want to remember him, him, not what happened but him and you must have just an incredibly supportive family and you guys lean on each other. It was a good song, and you could just feel your heart behind it. Apart from that, your voice, there’s something super cool and throwback about it.
Carrie Underwood
Freddie McClendon’s Mom Is His Guiding Light
Freddie McClendon, the son of Kristin and Davis McClendon, was born in 2006 in Greenwood, South Carolina. Her parents raised him alongside his two sisters.
Unfortunately, his parents were separated, and he lived with his mother.
Freddie’s biggest supporter, Kristin, was always close to him while he lit up the stage with incredible talent and charisma. His mom encouraged him greatly throughout his challenging life journey.
Kristin’s constant support and encouragement were seen throughout his time on the show. Her love and dedication have been a continuous source of strength for him to handle the highs and lows of the competition.
She cheered him on with pride when her son performed an emotional audition to honor Davis McClendon.
Furthermore, she has nurtured his musical talents from a young age. Her belief in his dreams and her sacrifices behind the scenes have been the foundation of his success.
Kristin will remain his biggest fan and guiding light as Freddie continues pursuing his music industry dreams.
Freddie McClendon’s Dad Passed Away On May 7, 2023
Kristin mentioned that Freddie turned to songwriting to process his emotions and honor his father’s life. His resilience story and desire to honor him have resonated deeply with audiences.
After seeing Music City and Broadway at 15, his father, Davis McClendon, told him he would be that one day.
Tragically, Freddie’s father, Davis, was murdered in a case that drew national attention and became the subject of true-crime documentaries.
Davis, 46, was found dead near his wrecked car around 1 a.m. Initially suspected of a hit-and-run, the circumstances told a far more sinister story.
His body lay 50 feet from his BMW, pointing to the possibility that he was outside the vehicle when struck.
May 7, 2023, my mom woke me [and my sister] up and told us our dad had been killed. We found out later that someone killed him. My dad and I had a great relationship. He was an absolutely wonderful person. He would do anything for anybody. We used to talk about everything and he really understood me.
Freddie McClendon
Davis’ girlfriend, Meredith Haynie, and Megan McGovern, her children’s babysitter, were key witnesses. After their date, Davis called Meredith to share his location but abruptly went silent.
Concerned, Meredith and Megan drove to the spot he mentioned and discovered his body.
Investigators discovered an oil trail and tracks near the scene, suggesting another car had driven through, turned, and left oil spatters on a streetlight post.
The trail led to the home of Bud Ackerman’s parents. Bud, Meredith’s estranged husband, became a suspect when oil leaked from his truck, and a crack in the vehicle hinted it had struck someone.
Meredith and Bud had a contentious relationship. Officials alleged Bud intentionally sideswiped Davis’ car and hit him, while Bud claimed it was a dark accident.
Authorities worked to prove it was intentional, while Bud’s defense maintained his innocence. In 2024, after a six-day trial, the jury deliberated for 30 minutes before convicting Bud. He was sentenced to 45 years in prison.
I’m so proud that I was able to tell my dad’s story, and it meant the world that it resonated with Carrie Underwood and that was incredible, and I’m beyond blessed.
Freddie McClendon
Dad, we’re going to Hollywood.
Additional Information
- Freddie McClendon refers to his mother, Kristen, as the greatest lady in the entire world!
- He misses his father, Davis McClendon, who meant the world to his family daily.
- American Idol returns Sunday (Mar. 30) and Monday (Mar. 31) at 8/7c on ABC.
