Get ready for a seismic jolt of emotion as American Idol unleashes a sneak peek of its eighth season on ABC (23rd overall) right after the Oscars on Sunday, March 2—teasing the explosive new lineup of judges with former champ Carrie Underwood crashing the party alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. This isn’t just a preview; it’s a front-row ticket to the raw, soul-shaking auditions that could crown the next music legend.
The nationwide talent hunt tore through New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville, but it’s in Music City where the real magic sparked. Parade snagged an exclusive first look at one audition that’s already got everyone buzzing: 17-year-old Slater Nalley from Atlanta, GA, delivering a performance so powerful it’ll leave you reeling. And trust us, this kid’s story is anything but ordinary.
Picture this: the audition room door swings open, and it’s not Slater who strolls in first—it’s Mrs. Davis, his high school English teacher, setting the stage for a moment that’ll hit you like a freight train. “I’m beyond grateful to be here,” she tells the judges, her voice steady but brimming with heart. “My student, Slater Nalley, wrote a song for my son, Carter, who was taken from us eight years ago. I’d shared Carter’s story with my class, and one day I handed Slater a poem I’d written. I asked if he’d try turning it into a song. Two weeks later, he did—and that’s what he’s singing today.”
Then in walks Slater, cool as can be, greeted by Luke Bryan with a grin: “Dude, that’s the wildest intro we’ve ever seen. You two have something special—mad respect for that.” Slater nods, humble but proud. “I’m so thankful for her. It’s a small gesture, but I’m glad it meant so much.”
The song? “Traces of You”—a gut-punch tribute to Carter Davis (1999-2016). “It’s the deepest thing I’ve ever written,” Slater admits. “I never met Carter, but when Mrs. Davis told us about him, it was like his spirit walked into my life. I scribbled in notebooks for days until it became this song. She loved it, and I’m stoked to play it here—maybe bring a little light to a dark corner.”
Mrs. Davis, hovering by the piano, chimes in with a voice thick with emotion: “Slater didn’t know Carter, but he nailed him in this song. It’s like my boy’s still here—like faith and hope are woven into every note.” Cue Slater’s performance, and bam—the room’s a mess. Carrie, Lionel, and Luke are wiping tears, totally wrecked by this kid’s soulful delivery.
Carrie’s the first to speak, her eyes locked on Mrs. Davis: “This song’s about your son, but anyone who hears it can feel their own lost loved ones in it.” Then, turning to Slater, “You couldn’t have sung that any better, kid—I’m blown away.” Lionel, still reeling, zeroes in on a lyric: “That line, ‘Your life was like a river running home,’ got me. That’s the knockout punch.” Luke keeps it real: “Just keep walking out there and singing from your gut, man. The rest’ll fall into place.”
No deliberation needed—Lionel cuts through the silence: “Sometimes, we don’t even vote.” All three judges shout in unison, “You’re going to Hollywood!” The room erupts, and you can bet this is just the start of Slater’s wild ride.
Don’t miss the full preview after The Oscars on March 2, with the season premiere dropping March 9 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. American Idol’s back, and it’s bringing the heat!
