A surprising chapter from Mor Ilderton’s TV journey is getting new attention just as the 22-year-old steps into the spotlight on American Idol.
During the February 16 episode of American Idol season 24, Mor performed his original song “Strong,” a deeply personal track inspired by the heartbreaking loss of his mother. His emotional delivery moved judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie to give him a standing ovation and send him through to the Hollywood round.
“I feel like you went somewhere else when you were singing,” Carrie told him, praising the raw emotion in his voice.
But while many viewers may think this is Mor’s first shot at TV fame, longtime fans remember he previously competed on The Voice season 26 in late 2024 and his journey there was anything but quiet.
Mor first stunned the coaches with a haunting Blind Audition that earned four chair turns from Michael Bublé, Gwen Stefani, Reba McEntire and Snoop Dogg. He eventually joined Team Gwen.
One of his most talked-about moments came during the Battle Rounds, when he faced Kiara Vega in a duet of “Iris.” Although Bublé ultimately chose Kiara as the winner, the decision sparked debate among fans. Before Mor left the stage, Bublé gave him a heartfelt hug and even handed out his personal phone number on national TV, encouraging him to stay in touch.
“It’s not a joke. The decisions are impossible,” Bublé said at the time, explaining he picked Kiara based on her potential.
The moment quickly turned into a twist when Gwen pressed her Steal button, keeping Mor in the competition. Host Carson Daly even joked as he tore up Bublé’s phone number onstage.
Still, months later, Mor shocked viewers again when he revealed he had quit The Voice ahead of the Knockout Rounds. He never shared the exact reason behind his exit, but he told fans on social media that he was continuing to release his own music independently.
At the time, fans had strong reactions. Many praised Gwen for saving him, with one viewer writing, “You can’t let a voice and tone like Mor walk away.” Others called his rasp and emotion “unreal” and predicted he would become a superstar. Some even felt Bublé made a “big mistake” by letting him go in his first season as a coach, despite applauding his kindness in offering support behind the scenes.
Now, Mor’s second chance on American Idol is bringing his story full circle. With “Strong,” he showed a more mature and personal side, turning his pain into music and proving that walking away from one stage doesn’t mean the dream is over.