American Idol 2025: Breanna Nix Tears Up during Mother’s Day Dedication
American Idol returned for more live shows on Sunday night (May 11) as the Season 23 Top 7 whittled down to 5. The competitors had to sing two solo songs for the first time this season. The themes featured Disney songs mentored by filmmaker and songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda and Mother’s Day dedications. Both themes turned in some strong performances, but it was the Mother’s Day theme that allowed for the singers to show artistry as well as more emotional connections. (Read our Recap)
Breanna Nix especially had an emotional connection to her song choice of “Like My Mother Does” by Season 10 runner-up Lauren Alaina. Dedicating the song to her mother Tammie, Breanna said, “Growing up my mother was super hard on me because she always knew I was made for more.” She shared with her mom, “I want to be the same mom you were for me, for Emerson.” Emerson is Breanna’s son who has been with grandma for much of Breanna’s journey on the show.
Breanna sang with a light yodel in her voice as she opened up with the verse. It started a bit slow, but as she hit the chorus, she showed off a clear as a bell belting tone. It was impactful, and even if at times Breanna doesn’t seem to know herself as an artist, she has great vocal ability especially with her belting tone. She has shined on big gospel numbers and country ballads appear to be one of her other strong suits. The last few lines left Breanna choked up and teary eyed.
Breanna Nix cried, and so did Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood too was in tears and said, “I think I’m going to cry my way through the second half of the show,” calling the performance “so beautiful”. Luke Bryan called it a “great song choice”. Lionel Richie said, “The best note you can hit is the emotional note you call the tear.” Breanna said to Ryan Seacrest on stage that her husband and son gave her a bouquet of flowers and her favorite snacks Sunday morning to celebrate Mother’s Day.
The singer sailed through to the Top 5 while Gabby Samone and Mattie Pruitt left the competition. Breanna is the lone remaining female contestant. She has the ability to connect with America, and she probably will make the finale due to her ability to share her life story and connect it back to the music.
Breanna’s Mother’s Day performance wasn’t the only stand out on Sunday night. Jamal Roberts nailed both his Disney choice of “Go The Distance” and even more so his Mother’s Day dedication. He turned in another moment with “A Change is Gonna Come”. Mattie Pruitt also went out with a bang as “Remember Me” was her best performance to date and one of the better vocals of the night. Thunderstorm Artis also had a solid storytelling performance with “Colors of The Wind. Additionally, Slater Nalley gave one of his better vocals of the season as well on “Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright.”
On Monday night’s show the Top 3 will be revealed as they take on Heroes and Villains songs from the Disney songbook (Song Spoilers!)
