Editor’s note: The following story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know battles harmful thoughts, please dial 988 for help.
AMERICAN IDOL contestant Khloe Grace moved the judges with her emotional, original song, “Forever 13,” which honored Aubreigh Wyatt, a 13-year-old girl who committed suicide on Sept. 4, 2023.
Though Khloe never met Aubreigh, she penned the song as a tribute after seeing her story circulate online.
Aubreigh was an eighth grader at Ocean Springs Middle School in Mississippi.
“Aubreigh was a straight-A student, an amazing daughter, sister, and friend,” her obituary reads. “She loved the beach, her friends, gymnastics, riding four-wheelers, and making TikToks. Aubreigh was well known and loved in the community, especially for her outgoing and bubbly personality.”
“I just felt it so deep in my heart to write this song,” Khloe said in a 2025 interview. On Facebook, she further explained, “Her story really touched me and I hope this song helps others facing the same thing Aubreigh did.”
Related: AMERICAN IDOL Alum: ‘God Called Me To Start My Own Nonprofit’ To Prevent Suicide
Aubreigh’s mom, Heather, introduced Khloe to judges Lionel Ritchie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan at the AMERICAN IDOL audition. Before her audition, Heather and Khloe had never met in person before.
“This mean’s the world to me, you don’t even know,” the young singer told Heather.
The lyrics to “Forever 13” read:
She was only 13, had some big dreamsAnd you took ’em all awayShe had her whole life ahead of herAnd you watched her drift awayYou never thought that what you saidCould mess up someone else’s headBut maybe you think now that she’s goneA young girl had to lose her life soThat you could feel somewhat satisfiedIn this sick and twisted worldYou wouldn’t think that a few young girls couldDo any harm, but look where we areNow she’s dancing up in heavenWith no tears, no worry, no weightOn her shoulders today
“I’m so excited to announce that Forever 13 will be released November 1st on all streaming platforms🫶 For those who don’t know I wrote this song in Honor of Aubreigh Wyatt to bring awareness to her story and bullying,” Khloe wrote in a post on Facebook.
Heather continues to do her part to raise awareness to what other girls could also be going through, writing the book, The Aubreigh Wyatt Story: A mother’s fight for justice, love, and lasting change.
“From the moment Heather discovered Aubreigh’s body to the countless hours spent navigating a system that failed her child, this book chronicles the depth of a mother’s grief and the fire of her resolve. Determined to bring awareness and accountability, Heather began sharing Aubreigh’s story publicly, only to be met with gag orders and slander lawsuits intended to silence her. But silence did not win. When Heather found herself voiceless and facing an uphill battle, millions of women and men across the world rallied behind her online, sharing her story, vowing to be her and Aubreigh’s voice, and raising legal funds to keep the fight alive. Suddenly, Aubreigh’s name was everywhere. Her story echoing in classrooms, courtrooms, and conversations around the world,” a synopsis of the book reads.
Khloe and Heather’s fight to keep Aubreigh’s story alive can remind us all to show those around us just how much they mean to us.
