Less than three months after 25-year-old Breanna Nix went viral for her “American Idol” season 23 audition, during which she described herself as “just a stay-at-home-mom,” the show’s third-place finisher is back at home in Denton, Texas.

But now Nix is singing a different tune — with newfound confidence, a chart-topping hit song, and thousands of moms looking to her for inspiration. On May 29, 2025, Nix inspired countless fans by posting an adorable video of her and her four-year-old son Emerson lip-syncing her new single “Higher” together.

Fans Swoon Over Breanna Nix’s Heart-Melting Video With Her 4-Year-Old

In Nix’s video, she and Emerson — whom she shares with her husband Austin — were casually dressed, both wearing ballcaps at home in Denton, Texas, as they lip-synced the words of “Higher.”

Wearing a Bluey shirt and matching hat, Emerson danced and periodically sang along with the words of his mom’s song, which she described in her post as “a reminder that no matter what life throws at you….. you can rise again.”

Nix opened up on “American Idol” about her challenging past, including turning to drugs and alcohol to cope with hardship. She eventually turned her life around by tapping into her faith and the power of music. In her May 29 post, she told her followers that her song “Higher” is “about resilience, chasing your dreams, and finding the strength to keep going.”

“I hope it lifts you up and inspires you to never give up,” she added, and immediately heard from thousands of fans who said they have been inspired by her journey, her song, and her success.

One person declared, “THIS IS EVERYTHING!!!! 🙌🎶👩🏼🧒🏼” and another commented, “This is my new favorite song. It hit at a point I needed the song in my life. ❤️”

Many people noted how much they loved seeing Emerson happily singing and dancing to his mom’s song, including one who wrote, “So cute!!! Love the joy he expresses singing along to mama’s song!!! He’s got it down good. @breannanixmusic!!! Love it!!! Thanks for sharing ❤️❤️❤️”

Another wrote, “Get after it dude!!!! Forever fans!!! Keep shining the Light!!!”

Breanna Nix’s New Single Knocked Brandon Lake’s Tune Out of the Top Spot on Billboard Chart

“Higher” was released by “American Idol” record label partner 19 Recordings on the eve of the season 23 finale, along with songs recorded by the rest of the top 7 “American Idol” finalists. Nix, who placed third behind winner Jamal Roberts and runner-up John Foster, saw her single quickly climb the charts.

On May 30, Forbes reported that “Higher” debuted in the number one spot on Billboard’s Christian Digital Song Sales. Interestingly, it knocked “Hard Fought Hallelujah” out of the top spot, a crossover hit sung by Brandon Lake, whom Nix got to perform with on the “American Idol” finale.

In a post about their collaboration, she wrote, “I’ve looked up to Brandon Lake for years, and for this to come true feels absolutely surreal! He was on my list of dream duets, and I’m just in awe.”

Nix’s “American Idol” audition went viral when it first aired in early March 2025 and she described herself as “just a stay-at-home-mom.” Judge Carrie Underwood urged the 25-year-old singer to recognize her worth, noting that hers was “the most important job.”

Less than three months later, Nix is happily juggling motherhood with her blossoming music career. On June 4, she’ll be in Nashville to perform with her “American Idol” peers at the 19/BMG Takeover concert. The next night, she’ll make her Grand Ole Opry debut with Lake there to perform, too.