In the vibrant landscape of American Idol Season 23, one contestant has captured the hearts of viewers and judges alike with her soulful voice and compelling personal journey. Breanna Nix, a 25-year-old stay-at-home mom from Denton, Texas, has emerged as a frontrunner, drawing comparisons to global superstar Adele for her emotive performances and vocal prowess. With her powerful rendition of Adele’s “Water Under the Bridge” during the “Iconic Women in Music” episode on May 4, 2025, Nix solidified her place in the Top 8, earning praise for making the song distinctly her own. This article explores Nix’s American Idol journey, her musical influences, her faith-driven narrative, and why she’s being hailed as “the second Adele.”

A Humble Beginning

Breanna Nix’s path to American Idol was anything but conventional. A self-described “stay-at-home mom,” Nix initially viewed her audition as a lighthearted endeavor, even a “joke.” She submitted a video audition without telling anyone, including her husband, Austin, who often accompanies her on piano in their TikTok music videos. In an interview with People, Nix revealed, “When I tried out for American Idol, I didn’t really think that it would go anywhere. It was kind of just a joke when I submitted a video and here we are.”

Her audition, which aired during the milestone 700th episode of American Idol on March 9, 2025, became a viral sensation. Accompanied by Austin on piano and with her 4-year-old son, Emerson, in tow, Nix performed Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel.” The heartfelt performance, coupled with Emerson adorably falling asleep in judge Carrie Underwood’s lap, moved Underwood to tears. “Never say, ‘I’m just a stay-at-home mom,’” Underwood told her. “You have the most important job.” This moment set the tone for Nix’s journey, showcasing her authenticity and emotional depth.

Musical Influences and the Adele Comparison

Nix’s vocal style has consistently drawn comparisons to Adele, a connection that became undeniable during her Top 10 performance of “Water Under the Bridge.” Judge Luke Bryan remarked, “The confidence that you embody. It was like watching when Adele is in her zone.” Lionel Richie echoed this sentiment, praising Nix for taking “something as iconic as an Adele song and turn[ing] it into your song.” Fans on X also celebrated her performance, with one user exclaiming, “Breanna Nix singing Adele is everrrythinggg i’ve needed! SHEW SO GOOD!”

Nix’s affinity for Adele stems from her admiration for the British singer’s unique tone and emotional storytelling. In an interview with Denton Record-Chronicle, Nix explained, “With Adele, it was her unique tone and so much emotion behind her voice.” She also draws inspiration from Carrie Underwood, citing her ability to “belt so effortlessly” and maintain vocal strength. These influences are evident in Nix’s performances, which blend raw power with vulnerability, much like Adele’s signature style.

Her ability to infuse songs with personal conviction has been a hallmark of her American Idol run. For instance, her performance of Lauren Daigle’s “Still Rolling Stones” during the Top 24 round in Hawaii was described as a worshipful moment, with Jelly Roll and the audience raising their hands in awe. Carrie Underwood noted, “That beautiful, big voice just overtook everybody. So much power. So much heart behind it.” This ability to connect emotionally with her audience mirrors Adele’s knack for transforming personal experiences into universal anthems.

A Journey of Faith and Resilience

Beyond her vocal talent, Nix’s story is one of resilience and faith. A devout Christian, she has used her American Idol platform to share her spiritual journey, often choosing contemporary Christian songs to reflect her beliefs. Her performance of Patty Griffin’s “Up to the Mountain” during the Easter special was praised for its solidity, with Underwood stating, “If there’s one word I could use to describe your time here with us, it’s ‘solid.’”

Nix’s faith has also been a source of strength in the face of adversity. She has been open about the criticism she’s faced online for her appearance and Christian values. In a conversation with mentor Fantasia, Nix shared, “Being a Christian, there [are] a lot of opinions that come with it. ‘That’s not what a Christian should wear,’ or, ‘That Christian shouldn’t sing a song like that.’” A particularly hurtful comment claimed, “She’s not a Christian anymore,” which she said “devastated” her. Despite this, Nix remains steadfast, stating on Facebook, “To God be all the glory.”

Her personal transformation is equally inspiring. After giving birth to Emerson, Nix weighed 315 pounds and embarked on a weight-loss journey, shedding 160 pounds. This physical transformation paralleled her emotional growth, as she learned to embrace self-love and confidence. “I’m doing this because I want Emerson to know that anything is possible,” she said during her audition. Her journey resonates with fans, who have dubbed themselves “Nix Nation,” rallying behind her with unwavering support.

The “Second Adele” Moniker

The “second Adele” label is not merely about vocal similarity; it encapsulates Nix’s ability to convey raw emotion and authenticity, much like the Grammy-winning artist. Her performance of “Water Under the Bridge” was a pivotal moment, showcasing her ability to tackle a challenging Adele hit with confidence and flair. Mentor Miranda Lambert helped Nix choose the song over another Adele track, noting that it allowed her to display more “attitude.” The result was a performance that earned a standing ovation and cemented her status as a contender.

Nix’s stage presence has evolved significantly since her audition. Early in the competition, she admitted to struggling with self-doubt, saying, “Singing has always actually been an%!insecurity of mine to do in front of people. I didn’t think that I was good enough to do it.” However, with each round, she has grown more assured, a transformation she credits to American Idol. “I’ve grown so much as a person and in my personal opinion, American Idol has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me. It’s taught me who I am. It’s taught me what I’m capable of,” she told People.

Challenges and Triumphs

Advancing to the Top 8 was no small feat in a season filled with talent. The “Iconic Women in Music” episode saw fierce competition, with contestants like Josh King and Thunderstorm Artis also performing Adele songs. Nix’s ability to stand out amidst such diversity speaks to her unique artistry. However, the elimination of fellow Christian contestant Canaan James Hill, who performed Underwood’s “Love Wins,” was a bittersweet moment. Hill’s departure underscored the high stakes of the competition, yet Nix’s advancement reflected her strong connection with viewers.

As the competition progresses, Nix faces the challenge of maintaining her momentum. The May 5, 2025, episode featured the Judges’ Song Contest, where contestants performed songs chosen by Bryan, Richie, and Underwood. With the Top 8 vying for a spot in the Top 6, Nix’s ability to deliver another standout performance will be crucial.

The Road Ahead

Breanna Nix’s American Idol journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and authenticity. Whether she wins the crown or not, she has already achieved a remarkable feat by inspiring countless viewers and proving that dreams are attainable, even for a “stay-at-home mom.” Her comparison to Adele is not just about vocal talent but about her ability to touch hearts and tell stories through song.

As she continues to compete, Nix remains grounded in her purpose. “For me to sit here and tell you to go vote for me on American Idol, that’s the kinda God that we serve. He’s a miracle worker, and he can take what’s dead and he can bring it and give you life,” she said during the Top 24 round. With “Nix Nation” behind her and a voice that echoes Adele’s emotional depth, Breanna Nix is poised to leave an indelible mark on American Idol and beyond.

Conclusion

Breanna Nix’s rise on American Idol Season 23 is a story of transformation, faith, and musical brilliance. From a viral audition to a Top 8 contender, she has proven herself a worthy successor to Adele’s legacy of heartfelt, powerful performances. As she navigates the final stages of the competition, Nix carries the hopes of her fans and the inspiration of her son, Emerson, who watches his “momma chase after her dreams.” Whether she’s singing Christian anthems or Adele’s hits, Breanna Nix is undoubtedly a star in the making, and her journey is far from over.