On American Idol 2024, Dave Fio delivered an audition that was not just important to him in a musical sense, but also in a deeply personal way. Performing “Save Me” by Jelly Roll, he became an inspiration to us all. Today we have a story of dedication, inner strength, and resilience from a man who overcame his struggles and opted for the harder route towards becoming a better person for himself!
The judges were full of praise for the hopeful contestant who decided to put himself first and pursue self-improvement, and appreciated the song choice for his audition. Jelly Roll’s “Save Me” is a song about saving oneself from oneself, and breaking a cycle that is doing much more harm than good. Regardless of the vice, this song can help us realize that we can be in a much better place for ourselves; it’s no wonder that this song helped Dave Fio work on himself! Watch the audition here:
Dave Fio was informed by his cousin that it was time for American Idol auditions to be submitted, so he sent an audition tape over to the competition. However, when he viewed the video, he was not satisfied with what he saw. He immediately committed to sobriety and decided to take better care of himself and lose some weight; 65 pounds lighter, he quickly transformed into a confident and happy inspiration for other people who want to pursue their dreams and become better versions of themselves.
Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord, is an American country singer who incorporates rap into his heartfelt verses and powerfully emotional songs. Despite being active since 2003, it was only in 2023 that he began to receive recognition for his music; winning three CMT Music Awards for “Son of a Sinner” in 2021. This is not to say his previous works were not a success; he collaborated with Lil Wyte in 2010 to create “Pop Another Pill”, which generated over 6 million views on YouTube.
Overall, Dave Fio delivered a strong performance that the judges thought matched both his story and his vocal style. He still has a lot to learn, however, and he just barely made it through to the next stage. The judges saw the passion in him and the potential that he has to be a success and even gave him some helpful tips for future performances.
If you would like to follow Dave Fio’s inspiring journey and listen to more of his heartfelt music, follow him on his Instagram.