FROM HEARTBREAK TO HOPE: FREDDIE MCCLENDON LAUNCHES “HEALING NOTES” MUSIC THERAPY PROGRAM TO HELP CHILDREN DEAL WITH LOSS 🎤💖 #HealingThroughMusic

Freddie McClendon, known for his moving performance on American Idol, is now turning his personal pain into a mission of hope. After losing his father in an accident, Freddie has partnered with Texas Children’s Hospital to create “Healing Notes,” a music therapy program designed to help children who’ve lost a parent. His emotional journey, backed by Carrie Underwood, is giving children the power to heal through music.

Curious about how Freddie McClendon is using music to help grieving children? Click below to read all about the touching “Healing Notes” project! 👇👇

Freddie McClendon: Turning Personal Tragedy into a Healing Music Therapy Project for Children

Freddie McClendon, the 19-year-old American Idol contestant, has always been a performer at heart, but his journey to stardom took a deeply personal turn when he decided to use his platform and passion for music to help others. McClendon, who captivated viewers with his moving self-composed song “You Never Loved Him” during the 2025 American Idol Top 24, used the heart-wrenching ballad to pay tribute to his late father, who tragically passed away in a car accident in 2023. The emotional performance not only left judge Carrie Underwood in tears but also went viral, garnering over one million views in just 24 hours. McClendon’s music, born out of personal pain, quickly became a beacon of hope for many who could relate to the loss and struggle he expressed.

But Freddie McClendon’s story didn’t end with the viral success of his performance on American Idol—instead, it became the beginning of a remarkable new chapter. In June 2025, McClendon took his passion for music and turned it into a healing initiative, partnering with Texas Children’s Hospital to launch a music therapy program called “Healing Notes.” This program is dedicated to helping children who have experienced loss through the power of music. Freddie’s mission is clear: to use music as a form of therapy and support for young patients who, like him, have lost loved ones.

A Song Born of Tragedy: The “You Never Loved Him” Performance

Before we dive into the inspiring details of the “Healing Notes” program, it’s important to understand the emotional weight behind McClendon’s decision to launch this initiative. In the midst of his American Idol journey, McClendon performed “You Never Loved Him”—a raw, self-penned ballad that reflected his complex feelings surrounding his father’s death.

The song wasn’t just about the loss of his father—it was an exploration of grief, regret, and the difficult process of letting go. “Music helps me overcome the pain of losing my father,” McClendon said, his voice quivering with emotion during an interview before his performance. “It was the only way I could process everything I was feeling at the time.” His vulnerability on stage made an indelible impact on the judges and viewers alike. Underwood, known for her own deep connection to music and personal loss, broke down in tears after McClendon’s performance.

McClendon’s performance was a testament to the power of music as a form of emotional expression, and it was clear that his journey on American Idol was about more than just gaining fame—it was about healing, both for himself and for others who had gone through similar pain.

The Birth of “Healing Notes”: Using Music to Heal

After his emotional breakthrough on American Idol, McClendon took a step that would change his life and the lives of many others. In collaboration with Texas Children’s Hospital, where his father had passed away, McClendon launched the “Healing Notes” program—an innovative initiative aimed at using music therapy to support children who have lost loved ones.

The idea for “Healing Notes” stemmed from McClendon’s personal experience in the hospital’s ICU waiting room, where he spent countless hours hoping for good news, only to face the devastating reality of his father’s death. That waiting room, a place filled with uncertainty and fear, became the backdrop for McClendon’s inspiration. He decided to transform it into a mini songwriting studio for pediatric patients, offering them a space to express their emotions through music.

“It was a place where I felt helpless, scared, and alone,” McClendon explained. “But it also showed me how powerful music can be when you’re trying to make sense of your emotions. I wanted to create a space where kids could channel their grief into something creative and healing.”

The program would include personalized music therapy sessions where young patients could work with music professionals, learn to write songs, and even compose their own melodies. McClendon’s involvement in the project would be hands-on, guiding the children through the process of expressing their feelings through music.

Breakthrough Technology: AI Meets Music Therapy

In a groundbreaking move, the “Healing Notes” program incorporated cutting-edge technology to help children tell their stories. Using AI-driven tools, McClendon and the program’s team were able to turn the children’s personal stories and emotional experiences into instrumental compositions. The AI system would create unique music based on each child’s narrative, allowing them to see their emotions reflected in sound.

This innovative approach was designed not only to help children express their pain but also to give them a sense of ownership over their healing process. The program’s goal was to provide a therapeutic outlet that was both creative and deeply personal, allowing the children to connect with their grief in a healthy and supportive way.

Carrie Underwood’s Unexpected Involvement: A Heartfelt Donation

One of the most touching moments in the development of the “Healing Notes” project came when country music superstar Carrie Underwood—who had been deeply moved by McClendon’s performance—decided to get involved. After learning about McClendon’s initiative, Underwood offered to donate $500,000 to help fund the project and ensure its success.

Underwood’s involvement didn’t stop there. She went on to record an EP titled Lullabies for Brave Hearts, a collection of soothing songs written specifically for the pediatric patients participating in the program. The EP features gentle, calming lullabies that are meant to provide comfort and emotional support to the children as they navigate their grief.

“Freddie’s story touched me deeply,” Underwood said in a statement. “I’ve always believed in the healing power of music, and when I heard about the ‘Healing Notes’ program, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. Music has the ability to bring peace in times of pain, and if I can help provide that, I’m honored to do so.”

A Powerful Moment: Freddie McClendon’s Speech at the Launch

On June 12, 2025, McClendon stood before a crowd of supporters and medical professionals at Texas Children’s Hospital to officially launch the “Healing Notes” program. During his speech, he shared the personal story that had inspired him to start the project, his voice trembling as he spoke about the loss of his father and the emotional impact it had on him.

“When I sang ‘You Never Loved Him’ on American Idol, I didn’t expect it to touch so many hearts,” McClendon said, his voice thick with emotion. “Now, I want music to be medicine for children who are lonelier than I was. I want them to know they’re not alone, and that their pain can be transformed into something beautiful.”

The moment became even more emotional when a 10-year-old patient approached McClendon after the speech, holding up a drawing of their father. “It’s me and my daddy,” the child said, presenting the drawing, “holding hands under a rainbow.” McClendon was visibly moved by the gesture, wiping away a tear as he accepted the drawing. It was a poignant reminder of why he had embarked on this journey—to help children heal and find solace through music.

The Impact: Music Therapy’s Success at Texas Children’s Hospital

The “Healing Notes” project has already begun to show impressive results. Early studies conducted by the hospital indicated that music therapy, as part of the program, reduced anxiety in children who had lost a parent by 40%. This finding has been described as groundbreaking, offering proof of music’s ability to provide therapeutic relief in times of trauma and grief.

Dr. Samantha Hayes, the director of pediatric psychology at Texas Children’s Hospital, praised the initiative, saying, “Freddie’s project is proving to be incredibly effective in helping children manage their grief. The use of music as a therapeutic tool has provided these children with a unique way to process their emotions, and the results speak for themselves.”

One of the young participants, 9-year-old Sophia, shared her experience after working with McClendon. “I wrote a song about my mother in heaven. Freddie said my voice was as beautiful as an angel!” Sophia beamed, clearly proud of her accomplishment. “Now I sing for her every day.”

Looking Ahead: The Future of Healing Notes

The future of the “Healing Notes” project looks promising, with plans to expand it to more hospitals and even potentially nationwide. McClendon’s vision for the program has inspired countless individuals and organizations to get involved, and his collaboration with Underwood has brought even more attention to the cause. As the project grows, McClendon hopes to reach even more children who are struggling with loss, helping them find healing through music.

The success of “Healing Notes” is a testament to the power of music and its ability to heal and comfort those in pain. For McClendon, it’s the next chapter in a journey that began with a song, a loss, and a determination to turn heartbreak into something meaningful. Through this program, he is not only giving back to the community but also proving that music, above all, is a universal language that can help heal even the deepest wounds.

As Freddie McClendon’s project continues to grow, one thing is clear: his legacy will not be defined solely by his time on American Idol. Instead, it will be defined by his work to heal others, using the power of music to transform pain into hope for children who need it most.