17 In Hollywood.

From a small Alabama town to the packed streets of Nashville, singer/songwriter, Dawson Slade released his first single in late September. Home in My Heart quickly accumulated over 5,000 plays, and this time they aren’t all ours. Slade took to music early on and set out to find his sound and style throughout school. 2023 changed everything for the 17 year old. Shortly after moving to Nashville, his son was born and only a week later, Slade was presented the opportunity of a lifetime, to audition for American Idol. Waiting to hear back was grueling, but once he learned he had made it on to the show, Dawson knew that he’d made the right choice.

Slade tells us what it’s like to raise a son, chase a career, and take on one of the biggest opportunities for an artist, American Idol. “It was really scary, honestly.” Dawson explained, “I was asked to do American Idol and I made it. If it wasn’t for that I don’t know that I would still be here doing this. My confidence and creativity were slipping.”

Dawson is set to hit the air in early February for the 22nd season of American Idol. Keep your eye out for this kid, he’s going places.