19-year-old Freddie dedicated his original song to his late father, who was murdered in 2023
Freddie McClendon, son of murder victim Davis McClendon (subject of a "48 Hours" episode), impressed "American Idol" judges with an original song dedicated to his late father, earning him a golden ticket to Hollywood. Davis McClendon was intentionally killed in 2023 by his girlfriend's estranged husband, who was subsequently convicted and sentenced to 45 years in prison.