Stay-at-Home Mom Breanna Nix Takes a Risk on ‘American Idol’—and Moves Carrie Underwood to Tears
Nix auditioned with Underwood’s massive hit, “Jesus, Take the Wheel.”
Breanna Nix, Carrie Underwood; Photos Courtesy of American Idol
Breanna Nix, a stay at home mom from Denton, Texas, won over the hearts of millions with her American Idol audition, and earned a golden ticket to Hollywood along the way.
The 25-year-old took quite the risk, auditioning with Carrie Underwood’s breakout hit, “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” in front of Underwood herself, and it’s clear she left a lasting impression with the country superstar.
Nix’s audition began with her entering the room with her husband and “sidekick,” her young son, Emerson, by her side. Emerson took a seat on Underwood’s lap to allow his mom time in the spotlight while his dad accompanied her on piano.
“I’m 25 years old. I’m just a stay-at-home mom,” Nix told the judges.
Underwood quickly chimed in, telling her, “Never say, ‘I’m just a stay-at-home mom.’ You have the most important job and I’m sure he loves it.”
In her video package that documents her in her hometown, the Idol contestant shared more about her story and how having Emerson changed her life.
“Emerson was a blessing I didn’t know I needed,” she said. “I was overweight my whole life, always the bigger girl. Right after I had my son, I was 315 pounds. I remember being in the delivery room and looking down at him knowing that if I was going to be the best mom I could, this lifestyle was not going to work. I decided to lose weight, and it led me to a journey of self-love.”
She explained that she decided to audition for her son.
“I am doing this [audition] because I want Emerson to know that anything is possible. He is watching his mama go after her dreams. I hope one day he’ll do the same,” she sweetly shared.
Her performance of “Jesus, Take the Wheel” left the judges’ panel awe-struck and brought Underwood to full-on tears.
At one point, little Emerson climbed onto Luke Bryan’s lap, creating a heartwarming moment.
It was revealed that Nix would be receiving a golden ticket to Hollywood.
Following her audition, Nix reflected on the incredible moment on Instagram, writing, “This is a dream come true for this mama! I can’t believe my baby, me, and family are on our way!”
Breanna Nix’s audition aired during the milestone 700th episode of American Idol, which served as the season premiere of the eighth season of Idol on ABC, and the 23rd season overall.
Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
You may also like
Country Next
Playlist
On Repeat
Get the latest country music news delivered straight to your inbox.
