Mor Ilderton is a talented singer who has won many fans with his soulful performances on The Voice and American Idol.
At just 22 years old, this young singer from Teays Valley, West Virginia, is making waves in the music world. But behind his success lies a tragic family story that has shaped who he is today.
Many fans search for details about Mor Ilderton’s parents, curious about the events that influenced his life and music.
Born Clarence Morton “Mor” Ilderton IV, Mor grew up in a small town in West Virginia. He has a brother named Tevin Owsley.
His mother, Robin Renee Bailes-Owsley-Ilderton, was a loving woman who graduated from Nitro High School and studied at West Virginia State University.
She lived in Cross Lanes before her life was cut short. Robin was known for her warmth and dedication to her family.
Tragedy struck early in Mor’s life. When he was only two years old, his mother passed away on October 9, 2005, at the age of 35.
Reports reveal she was strangled in an act of domestic violence. This loss left Mor and his brother without their mom, and it changed everything for the young family.
Robin’s death was a devastating blow. She left behind her two beloved sons and other family members who mourned her deeply.
According to her obituary, she was preceded in death by her own mother, Chessie England Bailes, and her grandparents.
Survivors included her father, Robert L. Bailes, and stepmothers Patricia Bailes and Janet Varlas. The circumstances were heartbreaking, described as an act of domestic violence that robbed her children of their mother far too soon.
Mor has opened up about this on national TV. During his time on The Voice, he shared how his mom’s death affected him.
He was raised by his grandmother, Sandy, who stepped in to provide stability and love. When Mor turned 18, he moved in with his aunt and uncle, who continued to support him through his teenage years.
Public information about Mor’s father is limited, but Mor has hinted at a painful truth. On American Idol, he mentioned that his father ended his mom’s life. This revelation adds another layer to the family’s tragedy.
Despite the darkness, Mor credits positive male role models for sparking his love for music. He remembers his father playing guitar and keeping instruments in the attic, which inspired Mor to pick up the guitar in high school.
His uncle Josh, a Marine Corps veteran, also played a big role in his life, teaching him discipline and structure while encouraging his musical pursuits.
After his mother’s death, Mor found solace in family and new opportunities. His grandmother, Sandy, became his primary caregiver, offering the nurturing he needed as a child. Moving in with his aunt and uncle at 18 gave him a fresh start and more independence.
Education was important to Mor. He attended Concord University in West Virginia in 2022 and 2023, where he pursued a degree in biology.
He even joined the school’s football team as a kickoff specialist in 2022 and redshirted in 2023. It’s unclear if he finished his degree, but his time there shows his drive beyond music.
Music became Mor’s outlet for healing. He started playing guitar around five years ago, finding comfort in creating tunes during tough times.
In 2024, at age 20, he auditioned for Season 26 of The Voice. His haunting performance of Dylan Gossett’s “Coal” turned three chairs, and he joined Michael Bublé’s team.
After losing in the Battle Rounds, Gwen Stefani stole him to keep him in the game. However, Mor dropped out before the Knockout Rounds.
Stefani explained that he “had to go home,” with no further details given. Mor has never publicly shared why he left, but he’s continued releasing original songs since then, building his career independently.
Now, in 2026, Mor is shining on Season 24 of American Idol. He performed an original song called “Strong,” inspired by never knowing his mom, and it earned him a golden ticket to Hollywood Week.
The judges were moved by his story and talent. He’s released several singles in 2025, showing his commitment to music as a way to process his past.
Mor Ilderton’s journey is one of resilience. From losing his mother young to facing family challenges, he’s turned heartache into beautiful music.
As he pursues his dreams on American Idol, fans continue to root for him, inspired by his strength and story. Keep an eye on this rising star, his future looks bright.
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