Slater Nalley Takes on the “Queen of Country” in Incredible ‘American Idol’ Top 10 Performance

Auditioning for American Idol, Slater Nalley performed a heartbreaking original song called “Traces Of You,” written in honor of his teacher’s murdered son. Reducing judge Carrie Underwood to tears, the 18-year-old Georgia native punched his golden ticket to Hollywood. Continuing to outsing the competition each week, Nalley is one of 10 competitors left battling it out for the season 23 title. Making his case for the Top 8, he took on Reba McEntire’s career-making hit.

Will Slater Nalley Advance on ‘American Idol?’

Performing songs like “Your Song” by Elton John and John Prine’s “Angel From Montgomery,” Slater Nalley has established himself as a frontrunner on American Idol. During Sunday’s (May 4) Ladies Night episode, the 18-year-old belted Reba’s 1986 single “Whoever’s In New England.”

Country superstar Miranda Lambert was on set to mentor the remaining contestants as they performed songs from iconic women in music. She also celebrated 20 years of her breakout hit “Kerosene” with a fiery performance on the Idol stage.

Monday’s (May 5) episode marks the return of Judge’s Song Night. The remaining eight contestants will perform songs secretly chosen for them by judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood.

Will He Perform Another Original?

During his American Idol audition, Slater Nalley showcased not only his vocal chops, but his songwriting prowess. The 18-year-old performed “Traces of You,” written for his English teacher’s late son. He trotted out another original, “Foolish Pride,” for the Hollywood Arena.

Since then, it’s been cover songs for Nalley. But the aspiring artist is hopeful that he will get another opportunity to flex his songwriting muscle.

“I did two original songs, and I have wanted to do one since. But at the end of the day, we have to go off what they send us,” Nalley told Parade.

If he’s still in the competition for the Mother’s Day (May 11) episod, Nalley says he will consider performing one of his own tracks. But for now, he’s soaking in the Top 10 experience.

“You’ve got a lot of really talented people around here,” he said. “Everybody’s more talented than the next. I’ve never been in a situation where I can’t tell who’s the most talented, because everybody here is just equally talented, and it’s going to be really hard for America to vote.”

Continuing, he added, “But hearing that I got put into the Top 10, America’s pick, was one of the coolest moments. I was really happy to hear the news that people are enjoying my music. At the end of the day, that’s what I’ve always wanted.”

Featured image by Eric McCandless/Disney via Getty Images)