Just days after Jamal Roberts was crowned the winner of American Idol Season 23, fellow finalist Breanna Nix is proving she’s not only a star in her own right—but a bit of a prophet too.
In a resurfaced video taken during Hollywood Week, Breanna, who ultimately placed third, confidently pointed to Jamal as the likely winner long before America cast its final votes.
“All right, guys,” she said in the Instagram clip. “This is our next American Idol. He had a flawless performance. He’s anointed. And man—congratulations! Whenever you get famous, please remember me. I’m Breanna. He’s amazing.”
She captioned the video with heartfelt pride:
“I called it! The first day I met and heard him sing… I knew he would win!! I’m so proud of you!!!”
Breanna’s Rise with “Higher”
While Roberts celebrates his big win and No. 1 hit “Heal,” Breanna is charting her own course. Her debut single “Higher” soared to No. 1 on Apple’s Country chart just a day after the finale—a stunning feat for an artist who didn’t even make the Top 2.
Her fans have made it clear: she may not have won the crown, but in their eyes, she’s one of the biggest breakout stars of the season.
Faith Front and Center
Throughout the competition, both Nix and Roberts stood out for their unshakable faith. Breanna was open about her Christian beliefs and how they helped carry her through difficult times, including battles with body image, substance abuse, and online criticism.
During a mentoring session with Fantasia, Breanna tearfully recalled hateful comments she received online:
“I had a comment that said, ‘She’s not a Christian anymore,’” she said. “It devastated me.”
Fantasia, also a woman of faith, reminded her, “God can use you wherever you go—stay away from social media and stay focused.”
That same night, Breanna brought the house down with Lauren Daigle’s “Still Rolling Stones”—a performance that many fans said solidified her place as one of the season’s most powerful vocalists.
A Spiritual Journey Shared
Roberts, too, leaned on his faith throughout his journey. After winning, he posted:
“I’m still trying to process this… God is so good. 🙏🏾 From my first step on that stage to this unbelievable moment, I never dreamed a kid from my hometown would one day be called American Idol.”
Mentor Fantasia shared a powerful tribute to him, writing:
“Never were you ashamed to call His name, never did you change your posture, you stayed the same… Keep YAWEH close, never take your eyes off of Him, never sell yourself short for anything that’s shiny.”
She added, “Yes the glitz and the glamour, but your reward in heaven will be greater than any on this earth.”
Charting a Bright Future
As of now, Roberts holds the No. 1 spot on Apple’s Songs chart, with Nix’s “Higher” climbing back up to No. 9. Other Idol favorites like Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll also appear on the chart, along with Forrest Frank and other rising Christian-country artists.
With her Grand Ole Opry debut scheduled for June 5, a spot at CMAFest, and a growing fan base, Breanna Nix is just getting started.
And if her instincts are any indication—just as she predicted Roberts’ win—her own journey might just be headed for the top as well.
