What Happened to the Father of ‘American Idol’ Singer Freddie McClendon?
Photo by: Disney/Eric McCandless Reading Time: 2 minutes
American Idol hopeful Freddie McClendon is going viral for his heartfelt song for his late father. Here’s everything you need to know about how Freddie’s father’s death turned into a true crime case.
American Idol Hopeful Sings to Change Narrative on Father’s Death
Since American Idol‘s most recent episode, fans have been researching singer Freddie McClendon. For those who may have missed it, Freddie auditioned with original song, “You Never Loved Him” about his father’s death.
For those who may not know, Freddie’s father, Davis McClendon, was found dead on May 7, 2023. It was determined that McClendon was trapped between his own car and another vehicle at the time of his demise.
According to the investigation and trial, the incident was deemed intentional. Both also named William “Bud” Ackerman Jr. as the person responsible for McClendon’s death. Ackerman Jr was the estranged husband of Meredith Haynie, whom McClendon had been dating for several months. It was also confirmed that McClendon was separated from Freddie’s mother at the time of his demise.
McClendon’s death became a true crime phenomenon. The hit-and-run made headlines and also became the subject matter of various podcasts and new series. This includes CBS program 48 Hours.
Freddie is Going to Hollywood!
Since the narrative on his father was created in relation to his demise, Freddie came to American Idol to embrace the person his father was.
Ahead of his audition, he explained that one of his favorite memories was when his father took him to Nashville for the first time.
“Seeing music city, seeing Broadway, he told me, he said, ‘Freddie, that’s gonna be you one day. You’re gonna be that,'” Freddie said.
Now, to chase that dream, Freddie is actively apart of American Idol Season 23. Following his emotional audition, judges complimented his ability to tell the story through song.
“Thank you for bringing that and for sharing your heart,” Carrie Underwood said through tears. “It’s so brave of you to decide that you want to choose the narrative — that you want to remember him; not what happened, but him. And you must have an incredibly supportive family, and you guys lean on each other … It was a good song, and you could feel your heart behind it.”
Meanwhile, Luke Bryan complimented Freddie’s approach to the song, comparing him to Paul Simon.
“You were able to translate that emotion, that feeling, to the point that you moved people, and that’s what you’re in this business to do,” Lionel Richie said.
Freddie earned 3 yeses from the judges and will be advancing to Hollywood week. The next episode of American Idol airs on Sunday, March 30 at 8PM ET on ABC.
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