Slater Nalley continues to impress on American Idol with his heartfelt performance of John Prine’s “Angel from Montgomery” during the April 28 episode. At just 18 years old, the Atlanta native delivered a stunning rendition that showcased his emotional depth and maturity, well beyond his years.
The theme of the night, “Iconic Idol Moments,” set the stage for Nalley to honor Megan Danielle’s original take on the song. His performance was met with praise from the judges, with Lionel Richie noting, “It’s great that your confidence is coming out,” while Carrie Underwood expressed excitement about Nalley’s unique sound, saying, “You’re so identifiable.”
Before securing a spot in the Top 12, Slater sat down with Billboard to reflect on his Idol journey. He shared how the judges’ support has been instrumental in boosting his confidence, with a special shoutout to Jelly Roll, who offered crucial advice about performance and stage presence. Nalley revealed that trusting his instincts has been a key takeaway, saying, “The coaching is awesome, but I really know myself best and need to lean into that more.”
With each performance, Slater Nalley proves why he’s becoming one of the most compelling contestants this season, blending raw emotion with undeniable talent.
