Slater Nalley ’25 Shines on American Idol

Lovett’s own Slater Nalley ’25 continues to captivate a national audience on American Idol Season 23, blending his exceptional musical talent with a story rooted deeply in our community.

Slater first earned national attention during his audition with an emotional original song, “Traces of You,” inspired by a poem written by his Lovett English teacher, Michele Davis, in memory of her late son, Carter Davis. His performance moved all three judges — Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie — to tears and secured him a Golden Ticket to Hollywood.

Since that powerful debut, Slater has advanced to the Top 14, delivering standout performances of both original music and classic covers, each marked by his heartfelt storytelling and soulful voice. His journey reflects not only his personal artistry, but also the enduring spirit of the Lovett community that helped shape him.

This weekend, Slater competes live once again on American Idol, and your support can help determine his future on the show. Voting is open during the live episodes on Sunday, April 27 and Monday, April 28 at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC.

Slater’s journey is a powerful reminder of the talent, heart, and community spirit that define a Lovett education. We are proud to stand with him every step of the way.

We invite all members of the Lovett community — students, faculty, parents, alumni, parents of alumni, and friends — to watch, vote, and cheer Slater on!