'Traces Of You': Teen's Emotional Song Brings American Idol Judges To Tears
March 20, 2025
17-year-old Slater Nalley’s powerful audition on American Idol left all the judges in tears with his heartbreaking yet hopeful original song, "Traces of You."
The moving ballad was inspired by a poem written by his English teacher, Mrs. Davis, whose son was tragically killed eight years ago.

Slater Nalley on American Idol
Mrs. Davis was so touched by Slater’s musical tribute that she encouraged him to audition for the show. Traveling with him for support, she watched proudly as he poured his heart into the performance.
The raw emotion and vulnerability of Slater’s song resonated deeply with the judges, leaving them visibly emotional. His touching words, which he described as putting "a little joy in a dark place," struck a powerful chord.
Check out Slater's unforgettable audition in the video below:
Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz
WOW! Seal Begs Boaters For Help As Orcas Hunt Him
Mom Shares 4th Grader's Spelling Test Answers, #13 Has Everyone Laughing
This Letter From C. S. Lewis To His Goddaughter, For Whom He Wrote 'The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe'
These Twin Cats Do Everything Together — And We Can’t Get Enough
Cat Goes Viral For Playing Cards Against Humanity — And She’s Serving Pure Chaos
Toddler ‘Arrested’ After Taking One Bite Out Of Every Fruit
Man Spends 6 Months Teaching An Octopus To Play Piano
Drone Stumbles Upon Polar Bears Living Their Best Life In Abandoned Soviet Research Station
Mom Catches Dad–Daughter Moment On Baby Monitor And Starts Sobbing
Toddler’s Wholesome Reaction To Dad Being 'Left Out' Goes Viral
Dog Won’t Stop Checking The Same Spot Outside, And The Reason Has Every Pet Owner Laughing
