The tragic death of Robin Renee Bailes Owsley-Ilderton has drawn renewed public attention following her son Mor Ilderton’s emotional performance of his original song “Strong” on American Idol.
During his Season 24 audition, 22-year-old Mor — whose full name is Clarence Morton Ilderton IV — stunned judges when he revealed, “My dad ended my mom’s life.” The deeply personal confession came moments before he performed “Strong,” a ballad inspired by the first time he saw a photograph of his mother and struggled to reconcile the image of a stranger with the loss that shaped his childhood.
Confirmed Circumstances of Her Death
According to public records and multiple published reports, Robin Renee Bailes Owsley-Ilderton died on October 9, 2005, at the age of 35. Her death was the result of strangulation in an act of domestic violence, leaving behind two young sons. Mor was just two years old at the time.
Obituary records note that she was a graduate of Nitro High School and had attended West Virginia State University. She had been living in Cross Lanes, West Virginia, prior to her death and was remembered by family members as a devoted mother committed to her children’s well-being.
While official law enforcement and coroner files from the case have not been publicly released in detail, multiple biographical accounts connected to Mor’s television appearances have consistently cited domestic violence as the cause of her death.
A Childhood Marked by Loss
Following his mother’s death, Mor was placed in the full custody of his grandmother, who raised him throughout his childhood. In past interviews, including during his time on The Voice, he has spoken about the stability and love she provided during an otherwise traumatic upbringing.
He later moved in with his aunt and uncle as a young adult, crediting his uncle — a Marine Corps veteran — with instilling discipline and structure in his life. Mor has described his extended family as instrumental in helping him navigate grief and build a future.
How the Tragedy Shaped His Music
Mor did not begin singing seriously until around 2022, after being grounded and turning to guitar as a creative outlet. What began as a pastime quickly evolved into a form of therapy. He gravitated toward indie folk and mountain-inspired sounds, channeling personal pain into songwriting.
On American Idol, that emotional depth was on full display. “Strong” was written about seeing his mother’s photo for the first time and confronting the reality that he would never know her. Judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan praised both his vulnerability and the texture of his voice, ultimately awarding him a Golden Ticket to Hollywood.
Though Mor previously appeared on The Voice in 2024 — where he was initially saved by Gwen Stefani before unexpectedly exiting the competition — it was on American Idol that he fully revealed the extent of his family tragedy to a national audience.
A Legacy Remembered
Robin Renee Bailes Owsley-Ilderton’s life was cut short decades ago, but her memory remains central to her son’s identity. Through interviews and performances, Mor has ensured that her story is not forgotten. What began as a private family heartbreak has become a defining chapter in the journey of a rising artist.