21-Year-Old Gets Standing Ovation With Original Song For Late Mom - Audition Videos

One young man won over the judges on American Idol with an original and emotional song he penned in honor of his deceased mother.

Music provides an outlet to express and work through difficult and hard-to-explain emotions. Preston Duffee, 21, performed “Something to Write About,” a song he wrote about his late mother, who struggled with depression and bipolar disorder.

The touching song, intended to honor Preston’s mother, is essentially a conservation he has with the Lord, asking him to help him write a song following her unexpected death. Prior to his performance, Preston informs the judges that this is his first crack at songwriting. 

In the song, the Lord answers Preston, telling him he needs to think about his life. He already has everything he needs in order to write a song. Preston, the Lord responds in the song, should think about his life experiences – all the good and the bad – and that he has “Something to Write About.”

Throughout Preston’s performance, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan give one another looks that appear to indicate surprise and astonishment. 

Preston, who appears to be a wholly authentic musician, provides a heartfelt and moving performance. Anyone can tell this song, personally, meant a ton to him.

His performance concludes with Lionel Richie, Katy and Luke on their feet, applauding the young man’s efforts. Preston bashfully orders them to sit down.

While Preston’s voice may not be the strongest, his songwriting ability is off the charts! For “Something to Write About” to be his first attempt at writing a song is astounding. Luke wholeheartedly agrees.

“But what I know from you and the way you thought about that song, if that’s the first song you wrote,” Luke said. “The way you approached it. The way you wrote it. Man, you’ve got a really bright future as a songwriter and your voice will grow and be stronger.”

Ephesians 5:19 “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”