This teacher loves this young man like she loved her son ❤

That boy writes like he’s had 50 years of life experience. Incredible

This disabled navy veteran is sitting here writing the young man who has brought me to tears with that most precious song i just heard you sing that you wrote. It has been 26 years since i lost my baby boy at birth. I never have and never will forget him. Slater, writing that for your teacher who is the mother of a son who died tragically 8yrs ago that you never met. Is one of the greatest things you can ever give to a family that is hurting so much by giving them just a touch of happiness in all that sorrow by writing that song for them. You singing it in front of your teacher and millions watching around the world. I cried from the 2nd chorus onto the end because it reminded me of my son. THANK YOU Slater, you have a fan for life. May god bless you and i believe if you keep putting your heart into this competition like you just did with that song. You will win American Idol. I have no doubt. My prayers are with you Slater and with your teacher Mrs. Davis. Bless you!

Sometimes you hear a song and sometimes you get to listen to a story.

Put that kind of music on the radio … Finally talent.

This kid has the storytelling ability beyond his years. He'll go far in life and good luck with his singing career.

As a angel mom, I've lost both my sons, this brought me to my knees bawling my eyes out. There IS NO loss greater or more painful than the loss of your child. Or both.

Whatever happens, he is already a winner at being an incredible human being.
Bravo, young man, bravo.

Im broken.  That song will sell millions, and he will be a star!  Just wow.  ❤

This is an example of how the light always manages to shine at the end of a dark tunnel. This young man is a talented song writer. What a beautiful story. And a beautiful teacher student relationship that’s pure and loving.

This boy at 17 is God given grace❤. So well raised what a gentleman.

My husband was injured in a car accident. My son, who was only 13 at the time. We were at the hospital and watched the life go out of him.  One year later, my son came home sobbing. He said that boy is dead. I said, what boy? He said, the one that killed dad. We were both heartbroken once again, because that didn't need to happen. We had forgiven that boy, just like my husband would have.

He can write, but he can sing! Sign him already, somebody sign this guy!!

That kid is ready for a record deal.

That lady looks at him with so much love. The beauty of music bringing 2 great people together

Wow what a moving song.  No parent should have to see one of their kids go before them no matter what age.

"In the dark night, you always found the sun".  That line got me. I hope this young man does well.

Lost my only brother to fentanyl in 2022 and the love of my life, my wife, my 6 years olds mother just last year from cancer.. I’m so lost right now, sometimes videos like this just find their way to me and I gotta say I’m grateful. Before the kid even started singing, I was already bawling and continued to the end. I don’t know a single person who won’t relate to this beautiful soul and this poor lady who lost her son..

56 year old black guy… and I hate that I have to qualify my comment in that manner, but it makes it seem more warranted… this song, the arrangement, and his ability to tell her story, is absolutely a spiritual experience… Music is music, it’s meant to make you feel, to identify with the chords and the lyrics, and it is healing…

This kid has that story-teller magic. It’s not showy. There are no vocal gymnastics involved. It’s just heartfelt and genuine. I hope he does well.