Breanna Nix may have entered American Idol Season 23 as “just a stay-at-home mom,” but she’s leaving the national spotlight as a breakout star — and a beacon of inspiration for thousands.
Now back home in Denton, Texas, the 25-year-old third-place finalist is embracing her dual roles with joy, humility, and a whole lot of heart. And fans can’t get enough.
A Viral Moment With Her Son
On May 29, Nix shared an adorable video of her and her 4-year-old son Emerson lip-syncing her debut single “Higher.” Dressed in ballcaps and relaxed at home, the pair delivered a heartwarming moment that instantly went viral.
With Emerson bouncing and singing along in his Bluey shirt, fans were quick to flood the comments with praise. “So cute!!! Love the joy he expresses singing along to mama’s song!!!” one fan wrote. Another added, “This is EVERYTHING!!!! 🙌🎶👩🏼🧒🏼”
“No matter what life throws at you… you can rise again,” Nix wrote in the caption, describing Higher as a song about resilience, faith, and chasing your dreams.
From Rock Bottom to Redemption
Nix’s journey hasn’t been easy. During her time on American Idol, she opened up about her past struggles with addiction and personal hardship, and how music and faith helped her find healing. Her story, raw and unfiltered, deeply resonated with viewers.
Judge Carrie Underwood told her during her audition that she had “the most important job” in the world — being a mom — and encouraged her to own her identity both as an artist and a woman of strength.
“Higher” Tops the Charts
Her single Higher, released by 19 Recordings just before the Idol finale, made an immediate impact.
On May 30, Forbes confirmed that Higher debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Christian Digital Song Sales chart, dethroning Brandon Lake’s crossover anthem “Hard Fought Hallelujah.”
The chart triumph was especially sweet, as Nix performed a duet with Brandon Lake during the American Idol finale — a dream come true for her.
“I’ve looked up to Brandon Lake for years,” she said. “To sing with him was surreal.”
From Idol Stage to Grand Ole Opry
What’s next? Nix is far from slowing down.
- June 4: She’ll reunite with fellow finalists at the 19/BMG Takeover Concert in Nashville.
- June 5: She’ll make her Grand Ole Opry debut — and Brandon Lake will be joining her once again onstage.
Meanwhile, back in Denton, Nix continues to connect with her ever-growing fan base through heartfelt videos, music, and moments of everyday motherhood.
A Voice for Moms, Misfits & the Faithful
Breanna Nix’s story isn’t just about music. It’s about redemption, resilience, and the reminder that it’s never too late to dream again.
From viral TikToks to chart-topping songs, from bedtime routines to stage lights, Nix is proving that you don’t have to choose between being a mom and chasing your calling — you can be both.
And to her fans — especially the moms watching at home — she’s more than a singer.
She’s a symbol of what’s possible.
