Breanna Nix Just Made American Idol History as the Last Woman Standing — and Now She Might Be Unstoppable

Sunday’s episode of American Idol marked a turning point as both Gabby Samone and Mattie Pruitt were eliminated from the competition. With their departure, Breanna Nix now stands as the only woman left in the race for the Season 23 crown, making her presence in the Top 5 even more significant.

A total of 20 million votes were tallied during the combined Disney Night and Mother’s Day episode, leading to the advancement of five artists: Breanna Nix, Slater Nalley, John Foster, Jamal Roberts, and Thunderstorm Artis. The announcement shocked fans but firmly placed Breanna at the forefront of the competition.

At 25 years old, Breanna—hailing from Denton, Texas—took on two emotionally charged performances that night. She delivered a stirring rendition of “Reflection” from Mulan for Disney Night, followed by “Like My Mother Does” by Lauren Alaina as a tribute for Mother’s Day. Her stage presence and control were undeniable, and special guest mentor Lin-Manuel Miranda challenged her to stay connected by keeping her eyes open during the song’s most vulnerable moments.

Luke Bryan was quick to praise her composure, stating, “You always look like you’re in command. I never feel like your voice is out of your control. That performance was a perfect match for your strengths.” His reaction was shared by fellow judges and viewers alike.

Lionel Richie echoed those sentiments, highlighting Breanna’s stage grace and emotional delivery. “You bring poise and elegance to every performance,” he said. “The way you stretch your vocals and turn a moment into something powerful—it’s moving to witness.”

And Carrie Underwood’s response was perhaps the most heartfelt of the night. Fighting back tears, she told Breanna, “You truly look like you were meant to be here. That performance touched something deep.”

Notably, Breanna has never appeared in the bottom of any public voting round—a testament to her consistent performances and fan support. She regularly tops fan-favorite polls on Gold Derby, and if she claims victory this season, she’ll be only the fourth woman to win since American Idol was rebooted by ABC. Previous female winners include Maddie Poppe (Season 16), Just Sam (Season 18), and Abi Carter (Season 22).

Her journey through the season has been packed with powerful songs, each revealing a new layer of her artistry. Highlights include “The Trouble With Love Is,” “Still Rolling Stones,” “Up to the Mountain,” “The Show Must Go On,” “Open Arms,” “Tell Your Heart to Beat Again,” “Water Under the Bridge,” and “Independence Day.”

As the competition moves into its final stretch, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Monday’s episode will bring Disney Week to a close, with Lin-Manuel Miranda returning to mentor the final five. Only the top three will earn a place in the finale. With emotions running high and the finale within reach, fans are eagerly waiting to see who will rise to the top. Who are you backing to win it all? Join the conversation and share your predictions in the Idol fan forums.