IDOL: Slater Nalley’s Enthralling Cover Of “Angel From Montgomery” Helps Him Land In The Top 10

American Idol‘s Top 12 Recreate Iconic Idol Moments

Slater Nalley took to the American Idol stage again on Monday night (April 28), hoping his cover of “Angel from Montgomery” would help him land a spot in the Top 10.

The episode was themed around iconic Idol moments. Each contestant performed a song that had previously been featured on the show.

For example, Kolbi Jordan sang “Over the Rainbow” as an homage to Season 5 runner-up Katharine McPhee, who performed the same song during her time on Idol. Country fan-favorite John Foster covered “I Told You So,” which Randy Travis and Carrie Underwood performed together on Idol years ago.

RELATED: “IDOL” COUNTRY FAVORITE JOHN FOSTER COVERS “NEON MOON”

Viewers voted for their favorite contestants during the episode. The Top 10 contestants were revealed at the end of the show, and they include:

• Slater Nalley
• Thunderstorm Artis
• Kolbi Jordan
• Mattie Pruitt
• Canaan James Hill
• Gabby Samone
• Josh King
• Breanna Nix
• John Foster
• Jamal Roberts

Sadly, fans had to say “goodbye” to Filo (the first Platinum ticket recipient to be eliminated this season) and Che Chesterman.

 

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Slater Nalley Delivers Riveting Cover Of “Angel From Montgomery”

As you now know, Slater Nalley’s cover of “Angel from Montgomery” helped him land a spot in the Idol Top 10. Once you watch his performance below, you’ll understand why.

John Prine wrote “Angel from Montgomery” and released his original recording in 1971. Over the years, the song has been covered by notable artists such as John Denver, Gretchen Wilson, and Holly Williams.

But the most well-known version of “Angel from Montgomery” was recorded by Bonnie Raitt. She released her version in 1974.

In Idol history, Season 21’s Megan Danielle previously covered the track. Nalley cited her performance as one of his favorite Idol moments, which inspired him to cover “Angel from Montgomery” himself.

With so much history behind the song, Nalley surely felt a lot of pressure to pull off his performance. But he didn’t need to worry, because he captivated everyone with his delivery and stage presence. He also earned some significant praise from the Idol judges.

Lionel Richie noted how 18-year-old Nalley sounded like an “old man” singing, as if he came from another era. He also applauded him for displaying a newfound sense of confidence onstage.

“One of the things I absolutely love about you, is every single time you get on this stage, I can imagine what your first album is gonna sound like,” said Carrie Underwood. “…you have your own lane carved out. Everything that you do is ‘you,’ Slater.”

Luke Bryan added, “Keep having fun, keep playing the game of American Idol.“

Watch Slater Nalley sing “Angel from Montgomery” in the video below. You can see him perform again on American Idol‘s next episode on Sunday (May 4).