Slater Nalley was a contestant on Season 23 of American Idol.
Audition[]
Slater auditioned in Nashville. He sang an original song called "Traces of You". All three judges voted "yes", sending him to the next round.
Hollywood Round[]
Slater was shown in the first part of Hollywood Week, singing an original song called "Foolish Pride" in the Idol Arena. He was later placed in the same holding room as Isaiah Misailegalu, Amanda Barise, Thunderstorm Artis, Breanna Nix, MKY, Jamal Roberts, Sonny Tennet, Gabby Samone, Ché, Lashon and JMarie among others, where it was revealed that they did enough to advance to the Showstoppers. At the Showstoppers round, he sang "Ophelia" by The Band. It was revealed he did enough to advance to the Head to Heads. In the Head to Heads round, he was paired with Nina Daig and they sang "I Remember Everything" by Zach Bryan ft. Kacey Musgroves. It was revealed that Slater had advanced and Nina had not.
Top 24[]
Slater was shown in the first group of semifinalists, and sang "Over the Rainbow" by Judy Garland. He received enough votes to be considered "safe" for another week.
Top 20[]
Slater sang "Soulshine" by The Allman Brothers Band. He received enough votes to become a Top 14 finalist. To celebrate, he sang "This Ain't It" by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit.
Top 14[]
Slater sang “Your Song” by Elton John. He received enough votes to be considered "safe".
Top 12[]
Slater sang "Angel From Montgomery" by John Prine. He received enough votes to be considered "safe".
Top 10[]
Slater sang "Whoever's in New England" by Reba McEntire. He received enough votes to be considered "safe".
Top 8[]
Slater sang "Atlantic City" by Bruce Springsteen, as chosen by Luke Bryan. He also sang "Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day" by Luke Bryan in a trio, with Thunderstorm Artis, and John Foster. Slater received enough votes to be considered "safe".
Top 7[]
Slater sang "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" by Elton John from The Lion King; and "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right" by Bob Dylan. He received enough votes to be considered "safe".
Top 5[]
Slater sang "You've Got a Friend in Me" by Randy Newman from Toy Story; and "Born To Be Wild" by Steppenwolf from D3: The Mighty Ducks. He, alongside Thunderstorm Artis, received the lowest number of votes, thus eliminating him from the competition.
Trivia[]
- Slater's audition song was inspired by his high school teacher, Mrs. Davis, whose son Carter passed away at the age of 17.
- Mrs. Davis accompanied Slater at his audition.