Slater Nalley, born in Atlanta, Georgia, is an 18-year-old country singer-songwriter who rose to fame on American Idol Season 23 (2025), reaching the Top 5. His debut single, “Traces of You,” a tribute to his teacher’s late son, went viral with 5.9 million TikTok views, moving judges Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie to tears. His EP Traces (2025) includes hits “Foolish Pride” and “Traces of You.” Nalley, a Lovett School senior, collaborated with Penny Samar and Isaiah Misailegalu on Idol, covering “Tennessee Whiskey.”