With her family watching from the audience and the nation voting live, American Idol Season 23 contestant Breanna Nix delivered a powerful and emotional performance of “Like My Mother Does” during the May 11, 2025, live episode. Her stirring tribute brought both the audience and judges—especially Carrie Underwood—to tears.

The Top 7 contestants returned from a family-filled trip to Disneyland to take part in one of the most heartfelt episodes of the season: a double Disney Night event. Each contestant performed a classic Disney song and then followed it with a Mother’s Day dedication, making for an emotionally charged evening filled with powerful stories and vocal vulnerability.

Breanna Nix Honors Her Mother With Raw, Vulnerable Performance

Breanna’s second performance of the night—Lauren Alaina’s “Like My Mother Does”—stood out as one of the most memorable and heartfelt tributes of the evening. Before stepping on stage, Nix shared how her mother’s unwavering love and support had shaped her journey, both in life and on the Idol stage.

As she began to sing, the emotion in her voice was undeniable. Her hands trembled slightly as she held the mic, blinking back tears during the softer verses. But it was during the soaring high notes—raw, cracked, and filled with meaning—that the entire room felt the emotional weight of her tribute.

Judge Carrie Underwood, visibly moved, stood up with tears in her eyes and applauded Nix’s bravery and sincerity. “I just realized I think I’m going to cry my way through the second half of this show,” Underwood admitted. Luke Bryan praised the song choice as a perfect expression of maternal love, while Lionel Richie emphasized the deep emotional connection Nix created with her performance, saying, “Everyone in the audience felt it.”

The Stakes Get Higher as the Finale Approaches

The live show aired coast-to-coast at 8 p.m. ET, with voting open for less than two hours before host Ryan Seacrest revealed the Top 5 finalists. This marks the first time American Idol has aired back-to-back Disney Nights, raising both the emotional stakes and competitive pressure.

While every contestant brought something special to the stage, Breanna Nix’s vulnerability, vocal strength, and honest storytelling set her apart as a true contender for the crown.