Outspoken Christian Breanna Nix finishes third on 'American Idol'
Christian singer Breanna Nix finished third on “American Idol” as season 23 of the reality TV singing competition came to a close Sunday night.
Nix, an “American Idol” contestant who has been outspoken about her Christian faith, performed “In Jesus Name” by Katy Nichole on the season finale of “American Idol” Sunday. Last night’s episode also included Nix performing “We Are the Champions” by Queen alongside the other two finalists, John Foster and Jamal Roberts.
Nix, whose Facebook biography includes the quote, “If God is for you.. Who can be against you?” was eliminated from the competition Sunday night, leaving Foster and Roberts as the two finalists. Roberts was crowned the winner of season 23 of “American Idol” while Foster was the runner-up.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
Throughout her run on season 23 of “American Idol,” Nix has put her Christian faith on display for all to see. In a performance that sealed her spot in the top 10, Nix sang Danny Gokey’s “Tell Your Heart to Beat Again.” Judge Lionel Richie characterized her cover of the gospel song as “divinely guided.”
After performing the gospel song, Nix described how “I felt like I was letting everything go.” She characterized her strategy as “letting go and letting God, because He deserves all the praise.” After advancing into the top 10, Nix exclaimed the words, “Thank you, Jesus!”
After securing a spot in the top 3 last week, Nix posted an update on Facebook, describing herself as “overwhelmed with gratitude” about making it to the season finale: “This has been the most insane, amazing experience of my life. I’ve pushed myself in ways I didn’t even know I could, and to be in the TOP 3 because of YOUR votes?? That blows my mind.”
“Thank you for believing in me,” Nix wrote as she shared emojis including a heart and praying hands.
Nix was one of several outspoken Christians to appear on season 23 of “American Idol” and the only one to make it into the top three. Canaan James Hill, an aspiring 17-year-old preacher who graduated high school early in order to focus on his calling, was eliminated two weeks ago as he failed to secure the necessary votes to make it into the top 8.
Hill, along with many other previously eliminated competitors from season 23, returned for the season finale. Hill joined Kirk Franklin to perform duets of the gospel musician’s songs “Melodies From Heaven” and “Love Theory.”
Baylee Littrell, son of Brian Littrell of the Backstreet Boys, performed an original song titled “Hey Jesus” as he competed for the title of “American Idol.” He was eliminated from the competition three weeks ago.
Nix is not the only outspoken Christian to make it to the finals on “American Idol” in recent years. Two years ago, Christian singer Megan Danielle was the runner-up on season 21 of “American Idol.”
Some of the earliest “American Idol” winners have also commented on the role that their Christian faith plays in their musical careers. Fantasia, who won season 3 of “American Idol” more than 20 years ago and served as a mentor to the contestants this season, told Nix how “God still uses me through every song that I sing” and insisted “I could sing the ABCs right now and give it to God.”
Carrie Underwood, who won season 4 of “American Idol” 20 years ago and served as a judge this season, has discussed the difficulties associated with working in the entertainment industry as a practicing Christian. “I know how difficult it is to come into the entertainment industry and bring your faith with you,” she said. “It is a brave thing to do because there are a lot of outside forces that are going to tell you not to do that.”
Ryan Foley is a reporter for The Christian Post. He can be reached at: [email protected]
