Breanna Nix is making her mark in country music. After coming in third in the most recent season of American Idol, Nix released her own song, “Higher,” and is busy making music on her own. While Nix has had plenty of unbelievable moments since first auditioning for Idol, few will likely compare to what she recently got to accomplish: making her Grand Ole Opry debut.

Fortunately, the moment was captured on video, so Nix – and her fans – can relive it over and over again.

“I have dreamed of this moment since I was a little girl,” Nix says in the video, shared on social media. “I was a stay-at-home mom, cleaning up messes, cooking dinner. Just doing things, regular life things. I tried out for American Idol, and made Top 3. Now I’m at the Grand Ole Opry, and it’s crazy. There’s no way this is my life right now.”

“I’m nervous but I’m so excited,” she adds. “I feel so humbled right now.”

Nix shares that even during rehearsals, when she saw the big Grand Ole Opry sign was ” intimidating, but in the best kind of way.”

 

Nix’s Opry debut became a family affair. Her husband Austin played keys, while her friend Rylie O’Neil, who sang with her on American Idol, joined her on backing vocals, along with Nix’s uncle and cousin. Nix sang “Higher,” an anthem for those struggling to rise above their problems.

“‘Higher’ is really talking about just rising above it, and not letting the things that beat you to death in life affect you, but just continue to keep going and rising above it,” she explains. “It’s all about the faithfulness and the goodness of God.”

Jelly Roll, who served as a mentor on American Idol and his “Hard Fought Hallelujah” partner Brandon Lake were both at the Grand Ole Opry the same night, and were able to cheer Nix on for her debut.

“Jelly Roll, he was actually the mentor on American Idol, and I loved him before,” Nix shares. “But now I’m just crazy about him. He is such a genuine person. And Brandon Lake really has inspired me as well, just in the Christian industry of music. And so, it’s really crazy to be here the same night that they are, and I’m making my debut. I’m in a dream.”

For Nix, being a singer felt like a faraway dream. But now that it’s a reality, she is fully embracing her new job, and inspiring others who have big dreams that are still unfulfilled.

“I never thought I would be on the other side of the fence encouraging other people,” Nix tells WFAA, “I never thought I could be that person to speak life into someone who felt hopeless, and there have been so many moms who have texted me or try to video chat.”

Photo Credit: Courtesy of ABC