A 17-year-old dad won the judges' approval on American Idol after performing two country tunes during an audition on the popular program.

Shows like American Idol, The Voice and America’s Got Talent give people the opportunity to show others their God-given talent. Those who win those programs can and do change their lives forever. Not only are the participants and the eventual winners’ lives impacted, but their families as well. 

Most of the people who go on those shows mention how they are not only appearing on those shows for themselves but for others, too. Their motivation is often how they want to provide their children with a better life. That was certainly the case for one young man, 17-year-old Dawson Slade.

At just 17, Dawson is already a proud papa. He admits that his son, Stetson Slade, is “the best thing that has ever happened” to him. He called his boy “the cutest little human on this planet.” And there is “no doubt about it,” according to Dawson.

For his audition, Dawson strummed the guitar and sang Lee Ann Womack’s classic hit, “I Hope You Dance.” However, following his performance, not all the judges were sold on him. Lionel Richie gave him a no. They stated how they believed that he had potential. Instead of all of them saying no immediately, they gave him one more opportunity to show what he was capable of.

Dawson tried his hand at a Justin Moore song. After his second attempt, Katy Perry gave him a yes, with Luke Bryan being the deciding vote, sending the young dad on to Hollywood.

The 17-year-old young man, who is already a father, moves on to try to change his life and give his son Stetson everything he deserves.

Ephesians 6:4 “And, you fathers, do not make your children angry: but give them training in the teaching and fear of the Lord.”