15-Year-Old Khloe Grace Honors Bullying Victim With Emotional 'American Idol' Audition

Her tribute song for a girl she never met left the judges and audience in tears.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 12:15pm

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Khloe Grace, a 15-year-old from Jacksonville, Florida, delivered a powerful audition on the latest season of American Idol. She performed an original song called "Forever 13" that was inspired by the tragic story of Aubreigh Wyatt, a 13-year-old girl who died by suicide after experiencing years of bullying. Aubreigh's mother, Heather, introduced Khloe and shared her daughter's story before the performance. Khloe's raw and emotional delivery moved the judges and audience to tears, earning her a spot to advance in the competition.

Why it matters

Khloe's audition shines a light on the devastating impact of bullying, especially on young people. Her willingness to honor a stranger's story and use her platform to raise awareness demonstrates the power of music to heal and inspire change. The performance also underscores the importance of mental health support and resources for youth struggling with the pressures of growing up in the digital age.

The details

Before Khloe's audition, Aubreigh's mother Heather appeared on stage to share her daughter's story. Aubreigh was 13 years old when she died by suicide in 2023 after enduring years of online bullying. Khloe, who had also experienced bullying, was moved to write the song "Forever 13" as a tribute to Aubreigh, even though the two had never met. When Khloe took the stage and performed the emotional ballad, her powerful vocals and lyrics about the devastating impact of bullying left the judges and audience visibly moved to tears.

  • Aubreigh Wyatt died by suicide on September 4, 2023.
  • Khloe Grace wrote the song "Forever 13" a year ago, in 2025.

The players

Khloe Grace

A 15-year-old aspiring singer from Jacksonville, Florida who auditioned for American Idol with an original song honoring a girl she never met.

Aubreigh Wyatt

A 13-year-old girl who died by suicide in 2023 after experiencing years of online bullying.

Heather

Aubreigh Wyatt's mother, who introduced Khloe Grace and shared her daughter's story before the audition.

Lionel Richie

One of the judges on American Idol who was moved to tears by Khloe Grace's performance.

Carrie Underwood

One of the judges on American Idol who praised Khloe Grace's maturity and the power of her song.

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What they’re saying

“I'm just so moved. Heather, that's a gift right there. That's God looking back at you. It's just a very moving moment.”

— Lionel Richie, American Idol Judge

“The fact that she wrote about what you were going through, not knowing you, shows a potential in you as a singer and a songwriter and someone that can really do a lot of good in this world. I'm a yes.”

— Luke Bryan, American Idol Judge

“I feel like the maturity that you possess is quite incredible. The way you had your heart broken or someone you didn't even know, and take that and basically say that something positive is going to come out of it, and to potentially even think about all the people that hear that and see you and hear this story and maybe decide to change their mind about something. It's pretty incredible.”

— Carrie Underwood, American Idol Judge

What’s next

Khloe Grace will continue her American Idol journey, advancing to the next round of the competition.

The takeaway

Khloe Grace's powerful audition performance highlights the devastating impact of bullying and the healing power of music. Her tribute to a girl she never met demonstrates the ability of art to bring awareness to important social issues and inspire change in the lives of others.