Slater Nalley is continuing his streak of impressive performances on American Idol. The 18-year-old took the stage during the April 28 episode of the show, performing John Prine’s “Angel from Montgomery.”
During rehearsals, this week’s advisor, Fantasia Barrino, complimented Nalley’s vocal chops and encouraged him to loosen up during his performance
The song perfectly fit in the theme of the night, which was “Iconic Idol Moments.” Megan Danielle was responsible for the original performance that Nalley sought to pay tribute to with his own.
The judges were a fan of Nalley’s rendition, with Lionel Richie telling the teenager, “It really is great that your confidence is coming out.”
“Every single time you get on the stage, I can imagine what your first album is going to sound like,” Carrie Underwood noted. “You’re so identifiable.”
Luke Bryan added, “Keep having fun. Keep playing the game of American Idol.”
Slater Nalley Talks His Idol Journey
Before he became part of the season’s Top 12 contestants with his performance of Elton John’s “Your Song,” Nalley sat down with Billboard to discuss his journey so far.
“Their support has done the most for boosting my confidence,”” Nalley said of judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan. “I don’t think Lionel saw it as much as the other two, but in Hawaii and Hollywood he’s really been my cheerleader. So it’s cool for him to say I’m an artist. Carrie is the best and so is Luke.”
However, it’s this year’s artist-in-residence, Jelly Roll, who has been “the most influential” for Nalley.
“The in-ear monitors were a real problem for me,” Nalley admitted. “Jelly Roll told me to take one out and I did and gave the best performance of my life in Hawaii.”
As for what he’s learned thus far, Nalley said, “To trust my gut. The coaching is awesome but I really know myself best and I need to lean into that more.”
