Mom’s Emotional ‘American Idol’ Audition Brings Carrie Underwood to Tears

“American Idol” is kicking off its milestone 700th episode in style this Sunday night, with Ryan Seacrest returning as host and Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and new judge Carrie Underwood ready to discover the next big star.

One hopeful contestant, 25-year-old Breanna Nix from Denton, Texas, is taking a bold step by auditioning with one of Carrie’s most iconic songs, “Jesus, Take the Wheel.” Before she sings, Breanna humbly introduces herself as “just a stay-at-home mom.” But Carrie, cradling her own toddler son, gently corrects her:

“Never say you’re just a stay-at-home mom. You have the most important job, and I’m sure he loves it.”

In her pre-performance video, Breanna opens up about a life-changing decision she made after becoming a mother.

“Emerson was a blessing I didn’t know I needed,” she shares. “I’ve been overweight my whole life—always the bigger girl. After giving birth, I was 315 pounds. I remember looking down at him in the delivery room and realizing… if I wanted to be the best mom I could be, my lifestyle had to change. That moment set me on a journey of self-love. I lost the weight, I found confidence, and now I’m here—chasing my dreams. I want Emerson to know that anything is possible.”

Then, Breanna takes center stage and delivers a beautiful, heartfelt performance of “Jesus, Take the Wheel”—moving Carrie to tears.

But does she get a Golden Ticket to Hollywood? That part remains a mystery! To find out, tune in to “American Idol” this Sunday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC—or catch it the next day on Hulu.