Meet Breanna Nix, The Stay-At-Home Mom Who’s Won America’s Hearts On American Idol
Fan-favorite American Idol contestant Breanna Nix also proved to be a judge favorite after she delivered a stunning cover of a Kelly Clarkson track for the “Showstoppers” round of Hollywood week.
Idol fans were first introduced to Nix during the season’s auditions. The stay-at-home mom walked into the audition room with her husband and their young son, Emerson. Emerson joined Carrie Underwood behind the judges’ table, and he fell asleep in her arms while listening to his mama sing Carrie’s song, “Jesus, Take the Wheel.”
Carrie teared up watching sweet little Emerson doze off during his mama’s performance.
RELATED: “IDOL” HOPEFUL HONORS LATE SISTER WITH “I HOPE YOU DANCE,” MOVES CARRIE UNDERWOOD TO TEARS
All three judges gave Breanna “yes” votes, resulting in her receiving a golden ticket to Hollywood! She then advanced through the largest elimination in American Idol history as one of 62 artists to make it to the “Showstoppers” round of the competition.
Breanna Nix Sings “The Trouble With Love Is” By Kelly Clarkson For American Idol‘s “Showstoppers” Round
Everyone got to learn a little more about Breanna before her “Showstoppers” performance. She shared how she was having a hard time believing in herself, a feeling she ties back to her childhood.
Until age 10, Breanna grew up believing her stepfather was her biological dad. She later learned the truth about her birth father, who still isn’t part of her life, as he’s in prison. “I just didn’t understand why I wasn’t good enough…” she said with tears in her eyes.
After feeling “rejected” by her biological dad, Breanna found a sense of peace after she met her husband, Austin. He pushes her to keep going and inspires her to chase her dreams.
View this post on Instagram
From there, Breanna delivered a beautiful performance of Idol alum Kelly Clarkson‘s “The Trouble with Love Is.”
The powerful song gave Breanna a chance to show off her incredible range as she hit some sky-high notes. She had judge Lionel Richie exclaiming, “Wow!” in the middle of the song.
As the song continued, the judges were clearly stunned by what they heard. They rose to their feet at the end of the performance, giving Nix a well-earned standing ovation!
Turning to Carrie and Lionel as Breanna left the stage, Luke Bryan remarked, “I have full body chills!”
Carrie later complimented Breanna on X and shared how she continues to surprise her as the competition advances. “That was so amazing!” she said about her “Showstoppers” performance.
I’m learning things about Breanna that I’ve never heard before. I love that she leans in to God and her family…clearly she’s drawing strength from them! That was amazing! I’m so happy for her! @AmericanIdol
— Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) April 7, 2025
Idol fans will have to wait until Monday (April 7) to see if Breanna advances into the Top 24. If she does, she’ll get the chance to sing at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, in Hawaii.
In the meantime, check out the video below to watch Breanna Nix sing “The Trouble with Love Is” by Kelly Clarkson.
