Slater Nalley established himself as a frontrunner early on in season 23 of American Idol. His audition, a self-penned tribute to his teacher’s murdered son, brought first-time judge Carrie Underwood to tears. Consistently turning out emotional performances each week, the 18-year-old has found himself in the Top 7. And while that feat alone is an impressive one, Nalley is here to win. He certainly proved that with this moving Disney Night performance.
Videos by American Songwriter
Slater Nalley Channels Elton John For ‘American Idol’ Top 7 Performance
It’s Disney Night on American Idol, and Slater Nalley chose a ’90s staple. The Georgia teen again gave us his best Elton John impersonation with “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?”
Written for Disney’s 1994 tearjerker The Lion King, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” found mainstream success as well. The song won a trifecta of trophies at the next year’s Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and Grammy Awards. To this day, it’s still one of my favorite Disney songs of all-time, and Nalley absolutely did it justice.
Slater is insane he has the gift to be able to make any song he sings sound like his own and “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” was no exception 🔥 Vote for Slater we need him in the top 5 👏 #AmericanIdol
— Wyatt 🛸👽 (@Wyatt_fann) May 12, 2025
This time next week, we will know the identity of this year’s American Idol winner. The season 23 finale airs Sunday, May 18, on ABC. Nalley is battling Gabby Samone, Mattie Pruitt, Thunderstorm Artis, Breanna Nix, John Foster, and Jamal Roberts for a spot in the Top 5.
Slater is just phenomenal, all my votes are coming your way dude!! #AmericanIdol
— Devin Jay (@Djk2695) May 12, 2025
Last year’s champion, Abi Carter, became the first-ever platinum ticket holder to win the final prize. With remaining platinum ticket holders Kolbi Jordan and Canaan James Hill eliminated at the Top 10, there is no chance of a repeat this year.
Slater Nalley Hasn’t Even Graduated High School Yet
A senior at Atlanta’s The Lovett School, Slater Nalley is spending the second half of his senior year in Los Angeles competing on American Idol. Five years ago, he taught himself to play guitar through YouTube tutorials. Before he knew it, he was writing songs. It’s when I knew that music was my thing,” he told Atlanta magazine.
Regardless of the outcome on May 18, Nalley has his sights set on a musical future. “As of now, it looks like music is going to be it for me,” he said. “It’s what I’ve always wanted to do. I lie down and think about it every night.”
Featured image by Christopher Willard/Disney via Getty Images
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.