Breanna Nix Fights Back Tears in Powerful Tribute to Her Mom with ‘Like My Mother Does’ on Idol

Breeanne Nix

With her husband and young son cheering her on from the audience and millions of viewers voting live across the country, American Idol frontrunner Breanna Nix delivered a show-stopping performance on Sunday night that turned the entire theater into an emotional wreck — including judge Carrie Underwood, who couldn’t hold back tears.

On the May 11, 2025, live episode of American Idol Season 23, the Top 7 contestants returned from a magical Disneyland retreat with their families and stepped into one of the most heartfelt nights in Idol history: a double-feature Disney Night, with each singer performing both a Disney classic and a Mother’s Day dedication.

And for Nix, the night was nothing short of unforgettable.

Dressed in a soft, golden gown and standing under warm lights, the 25-year-old Texas mom took a deep breath and launched into Lauren Alaina’s “Like My Mother Does” — a song choice that instantly tugged at heartstrings. From the first verse, it was clear this was more than just a performance. Nix was singing straight from her soul.

Her voice, slightly trembling but steady, carried the weight of a daughter’s love and gratitude. When she reached the final high notes, barely holding back tears, the room fell silent. Then — an eruption of applause.

Carrie Underwood, visibly emotional, stood with tears in her eyes and said what the entire audience was feeling:

“I just realized I think I’m gonna cry my way through the second half of this show.”

Luke Bryan called it the perfect choice, praising the authenticity and heart Nix brought to the stage. Lionel Richie added, “That wasn’t just a performance — that was a moment. We all felt it with you.”

Back-to-Back Disney Nights Raise the Stakes Before Finale Week

The moving tribute came during a high-pressure night of competition, as American Idol broke tradition by airing two back-to-back Disney-themed nights for the first time. With less than two hours to vote live, the stakes were higher than ever.

As viewers watched coast-to-coast, host Ryan Seacrest revealed that more than 20 million votes were cast before the results were announced — five million more than the previous week.

At the end of the episode, Seacrest revealed the Top 5 finalists heading to the semifinals:

  • Jamal Roberts
  • John Foster
  • Breanna Nix
  • Thunderstorm Artis
  • Slater Nalley

Unfortunately, Gabby Samone and Mattie Pruitt were sent home in a result that visibly stunned the judges and audience alike.

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