Breanna Nix, a 25-year-old stay-at-home mom from Denton, Texas, brought Carrie Underwood to tears with her emotional performance of “Jesus, Take The Wheel” during her American Idol audition on Sunday evening (March 9).
Breanna Nix On American Idol
Nix entered the room with her husband Austin and their young son, Emerson, in tow. “I got my sidekick with me!” Nix said with a big smile, holding her son’s hand.
The adorable family were welcomed with open arms into the audition room by Idol judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan. Underwood was in awe of her son and invited him to come sit with her at the judges panels while Nix performed.
“I’m just a stay-at-home mom,” Nix told the judges, to which Underwood replied, “Never say ‘I’m just a stay-at-home mom,’ That’s such a major job. You have the most important job.”
“Being a stay-at-home mom is chaotic. It’s crazy, but it’s one of the most amazing things that’s ever been able to happen in my life. Emerson is a blessing that I didn’t know I needed,” she admitted.
Nix dedicated her audition to her son, showing him that it’s possible to chase your dreams if you set your mind to it.
“I was overweight my whole life, always like the bigger girl. Right after I had my son, I was over 315 pounds. I just remember being in the delivery room and just looking down at him, knowing that if I wanted to be the best mom that I could that this lifestyle was not going to work,” Nix explained. “And I decided to loose weight and it lead me to a journey of self-love. I learned I can do the thing that I really dream to do. I’m doing this because I want Emerson to know that anything is possible. He’s watching his mama go chase after her dreams and I just hope that one day he’ll go and do the same thing.”
Auditioned With Cover Of Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take The Wheel”
Accompanied by her husband Austin on piano, Breanna Nix delivered an emotional cover of Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take The Wheel,” with the country superstar watching from feet away at the Idol judges panel. Donning a black dress with a black denim jacket and turquoise jewelry, Nix offered an impressive take on Underwood massive country hit.
“Jesus, take the wheel/ Take it from my hands/ ‘Cause I can’t do this on my own/ I’m letting go/ So give me one more chance/ And save me from this road I’m on/ Jesus, take the wheel,” Nix belted out, showcasing her powerhouse vocals.
At one point during Nix’s audition, Underwood ask Emerson, “is she doing good?” Nix’s son quickly responded with a head nod, acknowledging that his mom is doing a good job with her performance.
Brought Carrie Underwood To Tears
As Nix’s Idol audition in Nashville concluded, Underwood was overcome with emotion while holding the contestant’s son, Emerson.
“Luke…” Underwood said, prompting Bryan to reply, asking her “you okay over there?” Underwood, who is a mother to two young boys, quickly responded, “I’m sorry he’s just adorable and sweet and it just got to me.”
“It’s just a dream come true, [Carrie’s] inspired me so much, so it’s a honor to sing that song,” Nix shared with Underwood.
“You have a big beautiful voice,” Underwood gushed of Nix’s vocal abilities. “You did a really great job! It was an honor to listen to you sing that song.”
Ultimately, Breanna Nix earned a golden ticket to advance to Hollywood with her incredible “Jesus, Take The Wheel” performance during her Idol audition. Underwood then hugged Nix before she shared the exciting news with her family that she scored a ticket to Hollywood.
“I cannot believe that this is here, this is in my hand,” Nix admitted while holding a golden ticket.
