
Loading summary
A
Your teen adjective used to describe an individual whose spirit is unyielding, unconstrained, one who navigates life on their own terms, effortlessly. They do not always show up on time, but when they arrive, you notice an individual confident in their contradictions. They know the rules, but behave as if they do not exist. New Teenagers. The new fragrance by Miu Miu defined by you.
B
With fall cranking back up, we've got some cooler nights, crazier days, and let me tell you, if I don't get good sleep, it shows. That's why I'm beyond thankful for my Helix mattress. Christian and I took their two minute sleep quiz and got matched with the Helix Midnight. It's not too soft, not too firm, but the perfect balance for side sleepers like us. I wake up feeling way more rested and ready for all the fall things. Bring on pumpkin spice and all the earth tones. Go to helixsleep.comSadie for 20% off site wide. That's helixsleep.comSadie For 20% off site wide helixsleep.comSadie, what's up? Well, that's good, fam. Happy Wednesday, everybody. I hope you're having a great week, but per usual, it is about to get so much better, y'.
A
All.
B
I'm so, so excited for the guest that we have on the podcast today, and she's actually here in Louisiana. I have to just say, it was so funny when she walked in the door at Duck Commander. She walked past and I walked in right behind her and I just saw the face of the girl who works at the front desk. She was like, oh, my gosh, that's.
A
Brianna Nix from American Idol.
B
And so there we have it. Brianna, I'm so excited that you are here and I know so many people are gonna be so excited to see.
A
You on I am so excited to be here. Thank you for having me on here. I'm pumped.
B
Yes. Welcome to Louisiana. Yeah, it was so funny. You got a little lost today. And I was like, yeah, this is not the place you want to get lost.
A
Yeah, there's eyepatch ladies out there. We never know what we're going to run into.
B
You never know, friend. And I'm just grateful you're here. I've said this to you before we started filming, but I'll say it again. Watching you on American Idol was so fun. I totally voted for you every single week. And it was so funny. You were like, really? I was like, oh, yeah. I actually did. And I made everyone else do it, too.
A
Thank you guys.
B
And you Just did an amazing job. Like, think about Jesus saying, you know, you are the light of the world sitting on a hill cannot be hidden. And you. You were the light. Like, you just were shining such a beautiful light. You didn't hold back with your testimony, with the way that you led worship. And I think sometimes on American Idol and, you know, this. This might be a hot take, but sometimes American Idol, when people go on and they sing a worship song, it doesn't go well. You know, like, in the past now it's, like, so common. But in the past, it felt like when people did a worship song, sometimes that would be like, the. Their journey or something. And I was just so refreshed by this time. That was not the case at all. It was like everybody was singing worship songs, like, you saying them so many times. Other people did, too. But I think what was different about now than maybe in the past is it was just so naturally who you were. Like, you just seem like you were made to worship and, like, we all are. And it wasn't like a forceful thing or a striving. Like, that was just who you are. And it was so beautiful to watch and cheer you on. You did so well. So congrats on making it so far.
A
Thank you so much. Seriously, I. I really find it like, honoring to hear. I've heard multiple people say that, you know, like, it was like you were made to do this. And, you know, we're all made to worship. That's literally what our duty is as Christians, right? To worship the father. But, you know, looking not even to jump into it and get so deep so fast, but just, you know, looking back, like, over my life, you know, I always feel God, man, I'm so unworthy to hear all these things, you know, like, who am I? And it's. At the end of the day, it wasn't anything in myself. That was all God, you know? And I remember, like, right before I walked into the American Idol doors, like, they'll never get out of my mind. They were these big, tall, white doors with these golden handles, and I opened them up or they opened them up, and I remember walking about to walk through, and I just closed my eyes, and I was like, God, if this is what you have for my life, I will get a golden ticket. But, lord, I will put you first before anything. And I feel like that's what, you know, made me go as far as I did because, you know, like, God's favor is what I really. I feel it. It was. Honestly, it's true.
B
I mean, you can see that. And it's so cool that you say that, because I remember having similar moments before walking into big things, being like, God, if this is you, then, like, you have to do this through me, because I feel so incapable of doing this on my own strength. And it's so cool to watch what the Lord does, but you don't think you could be able to do on your own. Before we get too far into it, I gotta ask you the question I ask everybody who comes on the podcast, but what's the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
A
So I've actually been thinking about this because I knew you were going to ask this question. And years ago, my husband and I were, I think, engaged about to get married. And we were sitting in my pastor's office, and he was just, you know, chatting with us. We're very close with him, and he had a piece of paper, and he drew the map out of the church on his own. But he also had, like, the actual blueprint, you know, from years ago when they gave it to him to build the foundation of the church and all the things. And he told me, he said, you know, look at all these buildings. He's like, look at, you know, the ground and, you know, all the things that are inside. He's like, it's beautiful. He's like, everything looks amazing. He's like, but what holds this up is the foundation. And he's like, and without the foundation, everything will crumble. Everything will break. And he told us basically, you know, God needs to be the center of everything, the foundation in your own personal walk and also in your marriage. And that has literally stuck with me since that day. If God's not in it, then it's not going to be good, you know, and it will fail. And so just having God as my foundation. True.
B
That's so cool. And you can see that, like, even you saying that right before you open this gold handle doors, like, you made sure God was the foundation of even your American Idol journey, which is so cool. I want to ask you. I have so many things I want to ask you about, but I do want to talk about American Idol a little bit, because that is your most recent journey, and it's a really epic one until a lot of people just got to know you. What was your experience like? I mean, actually, before we even get to the experience, how did you even get to the point of auditioning? Because I know it's hard to even get into the room with the judges. So what was that whole Process like that.
A
I don't even really know. I don't have the words to explain it. It's just my husband and I, we really felt a burden to start posting, like, music on social media just somewhere, like, getting it outside of the church walls.
B
And what were you doing before?
A
Just. Just every now and again, like, doing a special at church. That's all we did. And if we were lucky, like, someone would ask us to come and take a chance on us to do worship at their church. And so, like, that's all we did.
B
Wow.
A
But we were praying about it, and really, I kind of brought it to my husband, and he's like, wow. He's like, you know, I've been really feeling that in my soul too. So, yeah, we should start doing it so slowly. We started posting on social media. Media. And all my life, you know, like, I heard you should try out for American idol. You should do the voice. You should do this, you should do that. And there was comments that being, like, posted on my social media of that. And I don't know what it was. I just remember, like, I just got into a wreck, like, a couple weeks prior, and I was laying on the couch, you know, just like, bedridden. Really, like, couldn't really walk and move. And something was just like, just post that video on American Idols tryout page. And I was like, okay, whatever. What are they gonna say? No, you know, like, who cares? Let's just try, you know, like, not even thinking, like, I just want to say I did it, you know?
B
Did you do.
A
So I actually sang a choir song that we were doing at my church by Ann Wilson. Let me tell you about my Jesus.
B
Oh, that's good.
A
Yeah. One of the best songs. I feel like that's part of my testimony in itself. And so it's just crazy that that song is what, like, opened the door? Yeah, but it was just a very bad lighting TikTok that I posted, and I forgot about it because I genuinely, like, I did not think anything was going to come out of it, like, at all. Yeah. So I was helping people lose weight, and someone signed up to go under, like, my. My little program thing that I was. I checked the email, and right below that person's name that signed up was American idol notification. So I'm like, oh, they're gonna tell me no. Whatever. So I remember laying in bed, I opened it up on my laptop, and my husband was asleep, my son was asleep. It was, like, dead quiet in the house. And congratulations, Brando. We liked your audition tape. We Would love to see you again. And I'm like, what? And I'm like, this is crazy. And so I actually missed.
B
Did you wake your husband up?
A
Oh, I did. I slammed a pillow in his face. I'm like, I just. I got accepted, you know? And he's like, what? Like, he had no idea. It was so, so crazy. And I actually missed every day in Texas to, like, go do my Zoom audition. And so I'm like, yeah, this is dumb. Like, there's no point in me doing this, especially going on nationwide. Like, that's everyone around the world. Like, there's no way I'm gonna get in there, you know? And my husband like, babe, you already come this far. And, like, you should just try. And so I'll never forget it. I opened up my laptop. I didn't even have an ounce of makeup on. I probably had stains on my shirt from just, like, doing motherhood duties, you know, My husband was at work, and I opened that thing up, and I waited, and I sang my songs. And the lady actually was on the Zoom didn't know any song I sang at all. And she's like, okay, well, why don't you try, like, Carrie Underwood song, You know? I had no idea she was not going to be a judge. And so I could only think of Jesus Take the Wheel. Right? Classic.
B
That's awesome.
A
I sang it, and it pushed me and got me to the executive producers, and I thought they were just joking with me, and they're like, no, you're coming. So, whoa. Then we were there.
B
It's also impressive because Jesus Ate the Wheel is a very hard song.
A
I know. Why did I pick that song?
B
For the average person, that's probably what set you apart. Because most people who sing Jesus Take the Wheel, that might have been the end of their journey, but that was the beginning of your S.O. is so cool. So from that point, that's whenever you got, like, you knew you were gonna actually go in front of the judges.
A
Yeah. So that's when they told me, okay, you're gonna try out for Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood.
B
And I was like, gosh, Carrie Underwood.
A
You know? And they're like, yeah, and we think you should come in maybe with. With that song. And I'm like, you're lying. Like, I'm not doing that, but I did. So it's just crazy. Like. And the song went right with what I was just experiencing. Like, I had no. Like, that's why I feel like it's such a God moment. Because that song, like, it Was. It was just a spur of the moment kind of pick for me, you know, like, oh, what do I sing? What? Carrie Underwood. But Jesus Take the Wheel was talking about a car accident, you know, with the little one in the back. And I just literally experienced that just weeks before this with my. My son.
B
Wow.
A
And so it was just crazy, like, how God knitted every little thing together, and it turned into, like, a ministry song, really, in my perspective. And I was like, take it over, Jesus.
B
See, that's what you did. When I say the authenticity of you singing these songs, when you sang a worship song, you weren't just singing it. You were ministering to, I think, yourself and to everyone who was listening. And that's why I think it was like there was such a connection point there with you, because it just felt so authentic and so inspiring. You could tell that you believed every word you were saying or you were speaking it over yourself, which was really, really co. So how long did you have to prepare from the time you knew you were going to the judges to getting there?
A
Well, it's kind of blurry now, but I remember I tried out August of 2024, and then in. I don't know, I think it was October or maybe it was November, we were there in Nashville for my audition in front of the celebrities. And then from that month to January, we were filming Hollywood Week. And then Hollywood Week on out to the end of the show was kind of like, stacked on, stacked on, stacked on, stacked. Like, let's go. It just happened. So f. Honestly.
B
Fall is in full swing. And honestly, I look forward to bedtime more than ever. Our days are packed. Play dates, park runs, chasing little ones around. And by the time the toys are picked up and the PJs are on, I'm even more ready to crash than the kids are. And that's where Helix has been a total lifesaver. We've had our Helix mattress for more than three years now, and it still gives us that kind of sleep where you actually feel rested when you wake up. We have felt fewer body aches, less stiffness, just deep, cozy sleep. And don't get me wrong, I love taking a vacation with friends and visiting family. But whenever we are away from home, we miss our Helix. It hugs your body just right so you're not tossing and turning trying to get comfortable. We have just loved our Helix mattress. Like I said, we've had it for three years. We will not look back. We will. If we. If we have to get a new mattress, it will be Helix because One. It was just so easy to even get in. You get it in a box, right? It's all right at your door. It's perfect for you because you took the Helix sleep quiz, so they know what you like. It really was an awesome process, and it so much, even honey has her own Helix mattress now. So, yeah, we're all in on Helix. And if you're buying a mattress online and that kind of freaks you out, don't stress, because they actually offer 100 night trials so that you can make sure that you like it and that it fits you. So go to helixsleep.com Sadie for 20% off site wide. That's helixsleep.com Sadie For 20% off site wide. Helixleep.com when you got up there in front of the judges, were you nervous? Like, what was your internal state?
A
Oh, my word, Sadie. Like, let me just tell you. So I wasn't. I am usually the nervous type. Like, I'm freaking out. I'm sweating, you know, like, I drank too much caffeine. Like, I'm going crazy. That, like, all the things. And my husband's, like, usually really, really laid back. Well, we got in there, and I'm super chill. And honestly, you know, in the Bible, where it just talks about, like, the peace that passes all understanding, that's what I was feeling that whole day. And my husband was opposite. Like, he was frantically panicking, didn't know how to play Jesus, take the wheel in the rehearsal room. So I'm, like, trying to calm him down, and I'm like, dude, I'm gonna crush this audition.
B
That's awesome.
A
This is gonna be ham. But as soon as those doors open and I walk in there, I'm like, okay, where is a piece that doesn't, you know, that doesn't fade? And it doesn't pass on anything. Cause, like, I'm freaking out, and the sweat started coming, and I'm like, you know, it really hit me in that moment. And, oh, my word. Like, I still remember, like, literally shaking in my boots. Like, I was just standing there, and I'm like, what did I get myself into? Like, I remember staring at Carrie Underwood and, like, is she actually talking to me right now? Like, it was crazy.
B
That's.
A
So we made it through.
B
So cool.
A
Yeah, it was crazy.
B
I mean, it's so cool. I think, like, I feel like a lot of people. I don't know if everybody But a lot of people envision themselves trying out for American Idol and what that would be. Like, what song would I say? How Would I do it? You know, but you can never prepare yourself for actually being in a moment like that. One of the most, like, iconic moments, I think from your journey was when Carrie asked you what you do and you said, I'm just a stay at home mom. And I love how Carrie fired back and was like, you are not just a man. I actually used that in a sermon this past month. Actually, I probably should have told you that before this, but it kind of just came out because it was such a powerful moment. Because I think a lot of people relate to that feeling of being asked, like, what do you do? And feeling like what they do isn't enough enough, it's not impressive enough, it's not whatever. And so you kind of. We all tend to do this. You either get insecure in that moment, you say, oh, I'm just what? Or people might feel an insecure in a different way and try to over explain what they do and who they are. But that is like a tough moment. And when, whenever you said that, I felt like every mom around the world could, like, totally relate. Did you feel. When you said, like, I'm just a stay at home mom, did you feel an insecurity in that moment or were you just.
A
I 100% did. Like, I. First of all, like, my first thought was, how did I. What did I get into? You know? And like, the enemy was already, like, when I tell you, like, it's gonna get deep really quick, okay? Because when I tell you the enemy fought me. Like, the enemy fought me because I brought this to, like, my church leadership and asked them, hey, like, this is what I feel the direction of the Lord is. This is what I feel like I should do. And they said, no, like, that's not from God. Like, this is not what God wants for your life. And we're completely, like 100% against it. And just told me, like, if you were to pursue it, like, we can't support you in this because we just don't think this is God's will for your life. And so, you know, growing up, like, that's all I held on to was like, that, you know? And so, like, it was a very trying time for me because after I got accepted, you know, I started fasting. I don't know why. I just felt like I should fast. And so I started fasting and praying, like, really asking God, lord, is this what you have for my life? Because, you know, you hear the horror stories with Hollywood whenever. And so I'm like, I don't want to put My. My spiritual self in danger, my family, especially my son. You know, like, I don't want to put us in harm's way at all. So God gave me wisdom. And every single time I prayed about this, I just felt God tell me, go. And he kept. And it was crazy because about a year and a half before any American Idol thought came through my mind, I remember I was sitting at the piano, and I was in such a broken season of my life. I'm talking broken, like shattered. And I remember praying, and I was asking God, lord, let this be. Let this happen. And God, for weeks and months kept telling me, no, I have greater. I have greater. I have greater. And I became in a frustrated kind of mood, if that makes any sense. I was on the piano, I was just banging the keys, and I remember I was like, then what do you have for my life if this is all you have? Like, this can't be. You've given me a talent to sing, and I'm not using it, you know, like. And it was just, you know, a moment of really selfishness. But God's like, I have things you'll never be able to imagine. And then I remember he spoke to me. Nations upon nations. Whoa. Tribes of different tribes. And I held on to that. And so American Idol came about, and I fasted and I prayed, and I brought that to my leadership, and God re brought that to my memory. You know, he's like, I told you that you will be singing in front of nations upon nations. Tribe of different tribe. And I'm like, okay. But the enemy fought me. Like, he fought me. He fought me with doubt. I mean, he fought me with torment over my son every single night. Like, I was restless. I couldn't sleep. And at first I'm like, well, maybe that's God trying to tell me, you know, so confused. And that's exactly what the enemy was doing. He was confusing me, which is not from God, and wearing me plumb out and making me doubt what God told me to go do. And so finally, I don't even know the question you asked me, but finally, you know, like, I fully surrendered that over to God and was like, lord, I trust you. Like, I don't know what the next step is going to look like, but I know you told me to go, and I don't know, like, how far I'm going to get, and I'm just going to take it step by step. And so whenever I was there in American Idol, I was already thinking about all these things, like, I'm not enough to do this. Like, what did I get myself into? And I remember standing there and they told me, prepared me, you know, like, hey, they're going to ask you your occupation. Like, what do you do? Like, what makes you stand out from everybody else? And I sat there and thought about it all day, and I'm like, there's nothing. Like, I can't. I come from a broken home, you know, I don't. I don't do anything, you know, like. And I just started beating, like, letting the enemy beat my mind up. And so when I walked down in there and she asked that, I'm like, I just a stay at home mom. And little did I know that that moment, you know, God was to use Carrie, honestly, to just speak life into me. And that's literally what carried me through the whole way, was that little moment that we had in my audition that.
B
Was, like, the most beautiful moment. And I didn't even know the backstory. And now it's even more beautiful. I have so many, like, thoughts I want to ask you. When you. So when you came to your church leadership and they said no, that was specifically for American Idol. And so you went from that and fasted and prayed, did you ever go back, like, and talk, or did you just pursue what you felt the Lord was doing?
A
We did, and it didn't go great. And I kind of just told them, like, you know, like, it was very respectful. We left on, you know, we're still on great respectful terms, but just, like, honestly, you know, just being so transparent with, like, the whole entire world, you know, because there's so many people that are in this. When God tells you to do something, that's because he has a calling on your life. And your calling on your life is not going to match everybody else's opinion. And everybody else's call that's on their life. And that was the biggest thing I learned in that small little season that came into American Idol. All the things but conversation did not go well.
B
Yeah.
A
To say in the least, we left on great terms. But I just point out, right. Knew that. I mean, it was a fight with my family. It was a fight with so many people, like, that loved me. Of course they wanted the best for me. But, like, the enemy used a lot of really close people to come in and try to stop what God was wanting to do. And I know when I say that, I know that with confidence because American Idol was great. You know, I was able to minister to thousands and help so many people. But what the cameras didn't see and show the world was small conversations that I had with people in tiny little rooms, you know, or walking to someone's hotel room down, you know, my room, whatever, just to go in there and pray for them, you know, like, the world didn't see that, but God knew that they were going to need someone.
B
You know, I love that you're sharing this, because I think that's something that's not talked about a lot, that whenever God calls people to certain things, it does often feel like the closest people around them. Sometimes the enemy can use in such a way that because, you know, you typically would listen to them, you typically would respect what they're saying. But if the Lord gives you something and you know for sure that's what the Lord said to do, then even if it's a church leader, even if it's your mentor, even if it, you know, you have to weigh it beside what the Lord's saying. And I mean, yes, you're so wise to, like, fast and pray so that you felt really confident enough to know and to say, like, hey, I respect you guys. I respect you, respect y' all so much. But in this area, this is what the Lord has called me to. And knowing that. And, man, I've been studying the life of John the Baptist, and it's so cool because, like, he was prophesied over, you know, the angel came to his father. I was like, this is who your son's going to be. And there were illicit things that John the Baptist was going to be that were different than everybody else. And there was a calling on his life that was to a higher standard than everybody else. And I just think about if John the Baptist would have, you know, looked like. Looked at Jesus and like, well, he's doing this, like I should be doing that. I was like, no, you are the one supposed to prepare the way, you know, like, you're different than him, you know, and this is what I've called you to. We were talking about this yesterday. Like, it's interesting that they prophesied over John the Baptist, like, he wasn't supposed to drink wine because he was gonna be filled with the spirit. But then you look at Jesus and disciples, and they were drinking wine. But if John the Baptist did, like, that wasn't his call, you know? So, like, you do have to be. You have to hear from the Lord on that. Like, God, what do you have for me? And if it looks different than somebody else, and that's okay. And I think, too, you have to TR God inside of you. Like, so Many people are like, I feel like Christians, we're too scared of the enemy. Like, we give the enemy too much credit when it's like, no, God defeated the enemy. And we have the spirit of living God inside of us to rebuke, you know, anything that comes at us outside of his will for our life. And I think a lot of people go like, oh, I'm so scared of Hollywood. Like, what would Hollywood do to me or my family? And it's like, like, okay, but what could you do for Hollywood? You know, like, that's the thing. I mean, I love that people do that with our family all the time. Like reality TV or me going to Dancing with the Stars. I got the more hate, way more hate from the church than I did from the world and Dancing with the Stars, which is a confusing time as a 17 year old because I'm like, I'm trying to be a light, but all the church can think about is about them dancing on tv. And it's like they didn't see. Yeah. The conversations I'm having with people in our little trailers.
A
God puts you, like, places that you're the light.
B
Being a mom means I spend a good bit of my day cleaning up everyone else's mess. So when I find out about something that stays clean on its own, I am all in. And that is why I love miracle made sheets.
A
Finally, in your wellness era, then you know gut health is gut wealth. And with 20 years of science behind it, Activia can help keep those good gut vibes going. Deliciously smooth and creamy Activia probiotic yogurts and dailies have billions of live and active probiotics and help support gut health while you go about your day. Your gut is where it all begins. So start with Activia. Enjoying Activia twice a day for two weeks as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle can help reduce the frequency of minor digestive discomfort.
B
Miracle sheets are made with silver infused fabric that keeps bacteria from building up so they stay fresher longer and you don't have to wash them every five seconds. Seconds. Honestly, they're doing as much cleaning as I am these days. And since less bacteria means fewer skin issues like breakouts or irritation, they're actually so much better for your skin too. And they're not just smart, they actually are soft too. Like sleeping on a cloud kind of soft. The NASA inspired fabric helps with temperature control too, which means no more sweaty sheets or cold feet. Just comfy, cozy, clean sleep all night long. Basically, it's the luxury upgrade you didn't even know that you needed. Literally the first night Christian and I tried our Miracle sheets, we were sold. We have had them for years now. We've bought more for our guest room and we've also bought them to have extra sheets for our bed. Like we are not going or looking back after Trying Miracle made. Upgrade your sleep as the weather cools down. Go to trymiracle.com Whoa. To try miracle made sheets today. And whether you're buying them for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, if you order today, you can save over 40% off. And if you use my promo code Whoa. At checkout, you'll get a free three piece towel set and save an extra 20%. Miracle is so confident in their product, it's backed with a 30 day money back guarantee. So if you aren't 100% satisfied, you'll get a full refund. Upgrade your sleep with Miracle made. Go to trymiracle.com Whoa. And use the code Whoa. To claim your free three piece towel set and save over 40%. Again, that's trymiracle.com Whoa. To treat yourself. I want to ask you a little bit about. So you said before you were helping people with their weight loss journey. I know that's passionate topic of yours, which is so cool by the way. And I was looking at your Instagram day and your pin post was like your. Your journey.
A
Robertson was looking at my Instagram.
B
Yes, I was. I told you I'm a huge fan and I saw your pin post about your journey and I was like, wow, that is crazy. Like just showing the different pictures and how far you've come and you know, I, I always feel like sometimes it's awkward whenever people share like, like, you know, when people like share videos on themselves crying on social media. But like it was, yours was so sincere. Like you had like tears streaming out your face and I could just see, man, this is like a huge part of your story that you had to work really hard for.
A
It's a huge part.
B
Can you speak a little bit into that?
A
So I'm still on my journey, but the journey, I don't even really like to call it, at first it was like, here's my weight loss journey. But after the years, you know, moved by and things, I started to realize it was just a journey of like. And even more so now, like, like, you have to be sometimes careful with these words because people go crazy with them. But I have just been feeling the conviction to honor the body that God's given me. And at first it didn't start out like that. It started out 100%. I just want, I need to get skinny, you know, like, I need to just be a certain size, you know, so I can, you know, live long for my son. And then it turned into, okay, 100%, just health minded, like, okay, I got to get as healthy as I can for my son. And then now it's more so most more so turning into, how can I present myself every single day as a ministry to others through my body? And I know that sounds crazy, but, you know, the Holy Spirit really just has been convicting me of that because really, like, God wants us to be inside and outside, full of him, you know, and honoring of him. And my weight loss journey, when I started, you know, like, just looking back at it, like four years ago, my mind was so unhealthy and like, it, it showed on my body, you know, I was in such a broken and bad place. I was married, happy, thriving in that area. But I was like, literally showing all the trauma that I've gone through in my life, you know. And I really believe that, like, if you fully are surrendered to God, you know, and 100% sold out, you know, that God can help you totally, 100%, you know, like, build yourself inside out. And I don't even know if that makes sense.
B
It does make sense. I think it's kind of co you.
A
Went, did that make sense?
B
Actually, it actually does make sense. I think it's cool that you went from, I got to do this for my son, I got to do this for my son. I do this for everybody. Like, it became like a ministry for everybody. It's like, I want to be healthy. I don't want to do this. And I think it's cool that the Lord just continues to like, define to you what it means to be healthy. And I think that that's beautiful because I think a lot of people, it just stops like, I want to be skinny or I want to be this. And it's like, I don't think that's.
A
Like, it was almost like a pride issue too, thing that I had to lay down because it was like it turned, you know, turned into like, oh, well, like, I need to look this way, I need to look like her. And it was like turning into, you know, at least I don't look like that one anymore. And like, God really just like my heart and was like, no, like, your body needs to honor me.
B
Yeah, that's cool.
A
When people, like, especially the fact that I came from like £300,000 to, you know, wherever I land at, you know, like, God's going to be my help and, you know, show me where I need to be. But cool. Just, like, showing that little, small difference, you know, like, God can really just, like, clean you up.
B
That's hard work, friend. That's hard.
A
I feel like I'm so rambled, right?
B
You are not rambled, friend. I hope you feel confident. Everything you're saying is such a blessing to so many people. You know, we have done a couple body image podcasts in the past, and, like, those are always some of our most listened to, most watched, because so many people struggle with that.
A
Yeah.
B
And we've. I've had a comment because people have said to me, like, oh, well, you don't really understand because you haven't, like, you haven't been bigger. And I'm like, but I've really struggled because my mind's been very unhealthy when it comes to food and exercise and all those things, because no matter really what your size is, you can make an idol out of anything. You can make anything become something that becomes unhealthy, even sinful, because it really distances you from God. I mean, it separates you from the Lord in some ways. And so for me, I'm like, no, I've actually really struggled with that. Been something that I've overcome, but it's something I always have to keep track of, just, like, where my mind's at whenever I'm thinking about my body. And so I think that I think everybody can relate. I think what you're saying, it's. It's hard to put words to in general, when it comes hard. It's so hard to put words to, and it's so vulnerable. And it's so.
A
And I think, too, it's like, also a personal thing, you know, but, like. Like, if I could just, like, recap what I was trying to say is, you know, like, one of the biggest takeaways from my weight loss journey that I've noticed is when I am, like, in the gym and I am fueling my body with the right things. You know, don't get me wrong. There's times where, like, I could throw down a cheeseburger, and I still do, but, like, you know what I mean? Like, there's times where I'm just, like, rotting in bed and I'm like, give me an extra fry. You know, like, I don't need it. But you can notice a difference when you're exercising. You're eating right. Just the clarity that's in your brain. And it's like when you're overweight and when you're eating like a slob and you're acting like a slob, then you're laying in bed, you don't want to read your Bible. You don't want to go serve anything. You don't want to. Like, you're serving yourself. You're not.
B
It's healthy. Really? Is it? I feel like if whenever you let the Lord define what healthy is to you, it really is. It's more of a spiritual thing, and it's beautiful because it's not just about being healthy. Like, oh, I weigh what I want to weigh, or I look the way I want to look. It's like, no, my body, soul, mind is healthy. Like, for me, this morning, this might sound funny to people, but, like, I made cinema rules for my girls, and I love cinnamon rolls. But a lot of times I'm like, I don't need to eat it because it's not good for me, blah, blah. But then this morning, I'm like, I'm gonna eat the dang cinnamon roll because I'm eight months pregnant. And that sounds really, really good. And to me, and someone could argue this. This is my journey, my experience. I'm like, it's healthier for me to have the freedom to know I can eat this and it actually not mess with my mind.
A
Like.
B
Like, I'm living in freedom. Like, I'm not being unhealthy.
A
Food can be an addiction.
B
I'm not overdoing it. I'm not being crazy. I'm eating a cinnamon roll with my girls in the morning, and I feel fine. You know, it's balance. And so I think, like, when you argue what's healthy, sometimes it's unhealthy. When you sit there and you just think about it and you're like, I'm not getting cinnamon. I'm not getting cinnamon. Blah, blah. And it, like, becomes this. Well, my thing is, like, crazy cycle.
A
The fact that you just said that actually kind of brought clarity to my mind because so many people, they're like, well, if you would just not bring it to your house, you won't gain weight. You won't eat it. And I'm like, dude, you don't understand. Like, food is like a drug. It's an addiction for certain people. And I think that's really, like, awesome that you said that, because, like, I feel like that's the freedom that I'm. I'm seeking. I've had. I have found a Little glimpse of it, and God's helping me, and that's really to tie in. What I was trying to say is I was bound by food. You know, I was going through all of this.
B
That's a good way to put it, because it is, like, it's bound.
A
It was.
B
It's a mentally mental place to be in, and you can't always see it. Like, it doesn't always show up. Like, that's. That's the thing with. When you hear people with eating disorders. You can look at people all different sizes who struggle with the same thing, and it's an internal thing, you know? And so I. I'm super thankful that you share your journey. I'm super thankful that you talk about it. I think that there's so much power in just fumbling through things sometimes and trying to put words to something that, like, everyone's feeling but doesn't know how to say, you know? No, truly. And I actually didn't even think you fumbled your way through it. Genuinely. I was tracking with you. I was like, y. That's good.
A
Someone's just sitting there like, what is going on?
B
I was like, what's happening? No, Most everyone there is, like, I know exactly what they're talking about. You said that your trauma was showing up on your body and that you had a broken home background. Do you want to share a little bit about kind of where you come from?
A
Yeah. So this is kind of like, the more vulnerable part of my testimony, really. But I. Again, I've been feeling from the Lord, like, to really just share this. And I. I hesitated on American Idol, but the more, like, I've prayed about it, you know, so many times people think that, like, I'm not even, like, trying to boast or brag about myself, but, like, top three American Idol. Like, she has it all together. Like, her life is amazing. Beautiful family, beautiful son, which, you know, these things are true. But I've come from a broken home, and my dad is actually, like, a child predator, you know, like, that's been in prison for my whole life because of that, you know? And when I found that out, like, it. That's. It crushed me. Like, you know, like, crushed me. Not only is he out of my life, but, like, what he did, you know what I mean? And so I know that's, like, really tight and it's very uncomfortable, but, like, it's your story just to share that, you know, like, people so many times. I mean, I know I've done it. It's like looking at people, and I'M like, man, they have it all together. Like, why can't my life be like that? And then you've come to find out, it's like, wow, they don't have it all together. And that's just.
B
Like.
A
That ate me alive. Like, it ate me alive my whole life. Growing up, I had a stepdad and I thought he was my dad. You know what I mean? And when my mom and my first stepdad split up, my mom, like, broke it to me basically, and was like, that's not your real dad. You know, I had questions like, why am I not going to see him? Like, all this kind of stuff. And my mom, like, broke it to me and was like, that's not really your real dad. And so then I had more questions, okay, well, where is my dad? So finally, like, at a young age, my mom told me that. That. And I remember, like, oh, my word. The feeling of rejection. Like, it was just. It's. It's like, not like unless you felt it and dealt with it your own. Like, I can't explain it. Like, it. It was insane. Like, it ate my life away for years and my mind and, you know, then the split between my stepdad that I called dad, you know, for years was extremely draining. You know, my mom was struggling with alcohol. And I'll never forget, like, we were going to church and I, like, 9, 10 years old, like, I'm like, I don't want any part of this stuff, this Jesus stuff, you know, Like, I. I know the name of Jesus, but, like, I'm never. No way. There's no way he can't be real. Because if he's real and my family still is acting this way, like, no, I don't want it. And so, yeah, I just. I was trauma. A lot of drama that I went through. And so young, too. At a young age, the weight started, like, putting, just coming on because I was trying to feel something. And I know it sounds so crazy. It's like one of those things unless you've just been in it, you understand? And if you haven't, then you won't. But I would eat so much that I would feel sick. And that was like, the only feeling that I could feel. It was so strange. And so I just eat and eat and eat. So I was, like, physically going to throw up or physically, like, laying there like, oh, I can't anymore, you know, and it was because I was just trying to feel something. I didn't feel nothing. Wow. You know, I. I just, like, I had such a hard heart, you Know, towards just life in general.
B
Wow, I'm so sorry, friend. Like, truly, I'm so sorry that like, actually brings tears to my eyes because I've never experienced something. I haven't experienced that. And for you to say, like, unless you've gone through it, you don't know how to understand it. But I remember in a dark time in my life, like, not feeling anything. And it was when I didn't feel things and emotions properly that I would. That were not healthy. Because you just want to feel something or you want to control something. And a lot of times that can take you down a really, really hard road. So I know a glimpse of going down a path like that, but nothing like what you experienced. And I'm so sorry you had to. It's wild to me that at 9, 10 years old, you're like, I want nothing to do with Jesus. And fast forward, I know you to who you are now. Just watching you on national television and ministering to thousands of people. How did that change? Like, how did you actually come to trust God?
A
That's kind of like in the beginning, like when I was telling you, like, when people tell me, like, oh, just the way you honored God, I'm just like, you know, I sit back and I'm just like, I think about all the things, you know, because I remember, like, how I felt for years, you know, towards it. And I don't know, I mean, we moved. We relocated to Dallas, like the Dallas area, because my nephew was facing a lot of health issues. And so not only was I dealing with like, all the rejection and then like, being fat and overweight and all the other trauma that, you know, I'm not going to mention today that my family was just going through. We relocated here and slowly started getting plugged into church. And my mom, you know, thank God the Lord got a hold of her and she like, truly finally sold herself out to Christ. So thankful for my mom. She started forcing me to go to church. And there was this like, youth night we had on Friday nights. It was just youth, kids. She would make me go, I hate.
B
Did you see a change in your mom? I did tell.
A
I did. And it made me mad. I don't know why.
B
Wow.
A
Because she was just happy now, you know, and she wasn't as. I think that's why, you know, she wasn't as miserable as what I was feeling.
B
Wow.
A
You know, and there was so much chaos that were. That was still happening, but she still remained, you know, like, with the joy of the Lord, you know, not always Perfect, of course. But, like, the joy of the Lord was her strength, and it really showed. And I hated it because I'm like, I'm miserable, like. And, like, half of this is your fault. I blamed my mom for it.
B
Yeah.
A
You know, and so, like, I hated her a long time, and it was. I really hate saying that, but it's just the truth. I hated her and hated her even more, like when she forced me to go to church. But slowly, every single Friday night, my heart kept getting tender and more tender and more tender. And there was this one service where, like, the Holy Spirit was just. I'm gonna get my emotional. The Holy Spirit was just moving so strong. And I remember, like, my friends were up there praying, and I was sitting down, like, in a chair. And I, like, man, I really wish I could get freedom from all this stuff, but there's no way that God's going to touch me. Like, I said so many bad things about God and rejected him so many times. And I'm so broken, and I'm so ugly, and, yeah, I'm too dirty. And I remember someone grabbed my hand and brought me up to the altar. And I remember, like, falling down. And, like, everything was black from that moment. But when I woke up, I just felt like God was, like, literally getting my heart and just putting it back together. And there's actually, like, a song that I'm trying to write through that testimony because, like, it was just crazy. Like, it's like, literally all things are, like, black. And I woke up, and it's like I had, like, a vision in my mind. Like, my heart, it was just so ugly and so dirty. And there was, like, band AIDS all over it and cracks and bruises, and it was lumpy on certain parts, but God had his hands on it and was, like, slowly putting it all back together. And I wasn't perfect. I can't say, like, everything changed and I was 100% different. No, like, I still had things that were there, But I remember, like, I gave my life to Christ that night. Like, I knew Jesus, but that night, I've come to, like, find. Find him. You know? Like, I heard about him, but I. I found him that night myself. And I was, like, 13 years that old that time, about to turn 13. And it was so crazy, like, how God progressed my life and, like, called me into worship and all kinds of different things. My youth pastor at the time, the assistant, he heard me sing and was like, oh, you got to get up and lead worship. And little did I know, he signed me up to do it. And I was there, and I just jumped up and I did it, and. And, you know, every week, God was building on that. You know, I still didn't have a relationship like I do now, you know, kind of young and immature and stuff, and just had no idea. But it was that turnaround moment that I had. You know, that's literally what God has done. I'm about to turn 26, you know, in August, and from 12, you know, almost 13 to 26, God has taken that broken heart and has mended it and brought it better. And, you know, like, I've done you, you know, things I'm still not proud of. You know, everybody has mistakes, but God has been faithful, and I have found him to be, like, that true friend, you know, and, like, it's crazy going back to American Idol. Like, I thought I, you know, let things go, and I thought, okay, well, I'm not dealing with this anymore. And, you know, God brought a lot of restoration in my life and my family's life and healed a lot of pieces. And I got a love for my mom, which was crazy. I didn't think that could ever come about again. But, like, I adore my mom. She's like my best friend. I call her. Like, I talk to her all the time. I'm like. Which was crazy. And, you know, I got a wonderful husband, but I got on American Idol, and I'm like, okay, well, like, I don't have anything to talk about. And little did I know that, like, through that journey, God was going to heal me through the situation with my dad.
B
Wow.
A
I didn't even know that I was still harboring those hurtful rejection kind of type feelings until I got on American Idol. You know, I talked about there's so many interviews where, like, I just had mascara running down my face. And, like, we sat there for, like, two hours because, like, I couldn't get it out out. And it was like therapy, really. And, like, through American Idol, you know, that season in my life that I recently just got out of, like, God healed me, and through my healing, he was able to heal other people in different ways.
B
So that is, like.
A
I feel like I just talked an eternity, but.
B
No, you didn't. You could have kept going. I mean, seriously, friend, that is absolutely beautiful. Thank you. Let the lord heal your heart. Like that. And I can't wait to hear that song because I remember a time that I was like, it was weird because I was just driving the car. It was in a tough season of life, and I truly got a Vision of my heart being stitched together. And I felt like the Lord was like healing my heart from some things. And when you said that, it took me back to that time of my life and I was just like, man, what a good healer. You know, like, we talk a lot about physical healing, but like, no, like to heal your heart and to mend it and to go from like a bitter 9 to 13 year old girl who by all rights had every right to be bitter and to say bitter and to stay in that zone. But for God to heal your heart and for him to place a gift in you that you didn't know was like even going to be used in the way that it was used. And then here you are worshiping and the next thing you know, you're on American Idol. The next thing you know, you're testifying to the world, but all the while still healing your heart, you know? Know. So curious, when Brandon, like, asked you to do daddy's DNA.
A
Yeah.
B
Was that like, I mean, just with all.
A
That's what I'm saying.
B
Just like your dad. And with that. Was that pretty.
A
I was just like. And it's even crazier. Like, that happened on the finale.
B
Yeah.
A
Yeah.
B
Wow.
A
Like, that's just. And I didn't like. So I came back for my hometown visit and we had like 12 hours to prepare for the show.
B
Of course. Yes.
A
And I was trying to, like, we just. I literally flew back from Texas, got back to Los Angeles and was in the studio immediately to record my first single. And then I got the news. Hey, you're going to be singing with Brandon Lake. And this is a song. You need to learn it. Here it is. And so I stayed up, I remember, really late trying to learn this song. And at first, like, I didn't even, like, really hit me, you know, I'm like, oh, this is just amazing. Like, and then I'm freaking out. Like, I get to sing with Brendan Lake, like, what's going on? But then I look back after the finale, you know, and I'm like, you know, you know how you like, you know, reminisce on things. And so I'm like just thinking about the whole journey in itself. And I'm like, wow. And then I'm like, wow. And I'm like, oh, wow. And I'm like looking. I'm like, God, you're crazy. Because, like, I came in and I was like, you know, dealing with. And I just said that, like, dealing with all this stuff and I thought, you know, okay, giving this to you, God, Giving this to you. And then my dad issue came up, and I really have been feeling recently, like I need to open up and share, like, why he wasn't in my life. Because there's so many reason why, you know, dads are not in people's life. But, like, why was my dad not in my life? And I just been feeling like I need to share that. And it hurt me, and it. It traumatized me, and it broke me. But God restored me, and little did I know it would happen on American Idol. And then he put the cherry on top.
B
It was like daddy's DNA.
A
Like, I'm known by crazy father.
B
It gives me chills. Isn't that crazy? Like, that's only God crazy. Lowe's knows how to help make your home holiday ready for less. Get select style selections vinyl flooring for just $1.99 per square foot and have it installed before the festivities begin. Our team can help you every step of the way. See a Lowe's red vest associate or visit Lowes.comholidayinstall to get started. Lowe's we help you save basic install only. Date restrictions apply. Subject to availability. Installation by independent contractors. See associate for details. Contiguous us only. It's like when we have the eyes to see what God is doing. It's actually insane. Like, when you're telling this story, I'm like, you sang Daddy's DNA at the finale.
A
You're crazy.
B
Did you, like, choose that you couldn't have chosen because you didn't know it? Because he hadn't put out that song yet. Like, it was just hitting me real time, too.
A
I'm like, yeah, I remember, like, the first time me and Brandon, like, sang it. We were like, I had the words, and like, I said, it didn't hit me. But I remember the first time we were on the stage and we were rehearsing. And I feel so bad for Brenda Lake. Cause I didn't really know the song. I was trying to act like I did, because I'm like, this is Brandon Lake.
B
That's a new one.
A
I only had, like, 12 hours to learn it. I'm so sorry.
B
You already sang a Brandon Lake song that you crushed on the season, so. Yeah.
A
But we were standing there on the stage, and I actually asked him about a line in the song, and he started sharing his testimony. And little did I know, you know, after weeks went by, he's like, hey, like, I really want to get this audio and use it for my deluxe album. Like, are you cool with that? I'm like, am I cool with that.
B
Let me check.
A
Of course. You know, and then to find out, like, this song is going to be part of my testimony because I was healed, you know, and father Liz has now found the father. And, like, who I am is through my daddy's DNA.
B
Crazy. I listened to Y song this morning, the deluxe album, and it's so beautiful. And so as you're sharing the whole time, I'm just like, this is wild. Like, God writes the best stories. You literally can't make it up. I want to ask you, because you talked about how you do have this beautiful family. Like, you and your husband are so sweet together. Watching the way he loves you and supports you and was so proud of you was so sweet. And your little boy just carried such a piece. I mean, literally slept through, like, half the. Half the show, which was just so cute. And I think every mom was like, how does she get him to just sleep like that?
A
There are so many rumors. She gives him melatonin. I'm like, I actually don't know.
B
I was so sweet. It was so sweet. And just how proud they were of you. Coming from a broken family and a broken past, what has it looked like for you, cultivating the healthy family that.
A
You have have, it just goes back, honestly. Like, Austin and I, we've had our struggles. You know, every marriage goes through hard times, and there's been a lot of hard times in our marriage, and there's been a lot of times where I'm like, like, how are we going to make it through this one? But I think what has helped us is going back to what I said in the beginning is the foundation, you know, and we're not perfect people. Like, that's the last thing I ever want to portray to people is that, like, we have it all together and we don't make mistakes, yada, yada, yada. Because we're so far from that. We need a savior to save us from all of that. But God being the center of our marriage is what has helped us the most. Just going back to that source and, you know, there's been times where we, like I said, we question things and, like, God, like, you're gonna have to help us here. You're gonna have to help us there. And he's done it every time. He's been faithful. And I feel like that's the biggest, you know, just putting a plug out there for any teenagers out there, AKA my niece, if you're list, like, make sure he's a godly man, you know, because that does make the difference.
B
That foundation. Back to your beginning thing. Like, the foundation of your marriage has to be the Lord. I remember Christian and I built the house that we live in. And it was actually funny because of the way that, like, the rain was coming and the storms, they were gonna lay the foundation, but they had to lay it at, like, 2 in the morning. And so. And I really wanted to be there when they laid the foundation, but I was like, it's two in the morning, and we have children, so that's not gonna happen. But me and Christian, like, set our alarm, and we're woke up. And while they were laying the foundation of our home, we were praying, and we. And that was really important to us because I just knew that this is so much more than, like, concrete, you know, that, like, they're pouring today. Like, this is the foundation of the home that we're going to raise our children in. And so we prayed for, like, the spiritual foundation. And I just, like. That's one of my favorite memories of us praying for the spiritual foundation of our home. And our home is, like, our place of peace, you know? Like, it is our first ministry. It is our place of peace. Like, it is where our kids are going to be shaped and grown into the people that they're going to become. And so that foundation is so important, but it has so much to do with who you marry and the prayers y' all pray together, the life y' all choose to live together. It's not perfect. It's messy. There's all kinds of things. But to your point, like, it's so important who you marry.
A
And I also. Also, like, I laugh about this because when I first met Austin, he was so not my type. He was so not my type. I was like, he has blonde hair. Now it's kind of brown because he's getting old, but he had blonde hair. And I'm like, ugh, I don't like blonde hair.
B
You have blonde hair.
A
I don't actually. Like, I'm a natural brunette. I know.
B
It's such a.
A
Like a. Yeah, like, my hairstyle is so good anyways.
B
Shout out.
A
But he had blonde hair. And I'm like, it's how I type. And he was dressed like a city boy, and I'm like, so into country boys. I'm like, no way. So when he was trying to, like, get my phone number and talk to me, I'm like, dude, you don't have a chance. Like, no way. But I, like, look back, and I'm like, he's more than I ever could have dreamed. Like, it's just even looking back at videos we post on social media. Like, how did God, like, God?
B
Just.
A
He was working things out, Sadie. 12, 13 years old, broken and hurting. And God led me to be a worship leader. And then he gave me a husband who sits and plays the piano right beside me.
B
So cool.
A
Can play the guitar. Really any instrument. And it's like, yeah, God, he knows. Like, he has the roadmap, you know, and it's like, all we gotta do is literally what the scripture says. Trust him. Don't lean to your own understanding because it's gonna lead to harm. It's true. But if you just lean on God, like, he's going to lay that road map out and things you can't even think will happen.
B
Just a little side sermon to all the ladies listening. That's a word. Because so many people are too picky for their own good and miss out on amazing godly men because you don't like their hair color or you don't like the way that they dress. And it is about the heart. Like, man looks at the outward, outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. It is so, so important because I, I just hear so many girls say things like, oh, well, yeah, because he's. I'm like, are you kidding me? That's why you're not going to go on a date, on a second date with this godly man because he wore blah, blah, blah or khaki short. Yeah. And like, those things can change. Okay. Hair color can change, outfits can, can change a heart is a lot. It's a lot harder to change. And so I love that you shared that last thing I want to ask you because, you know, this kind of. When America was introduced to you, it was probably for most people from that Instagram clip of you saying, I'm just a stay at home mom. And then Carrie speaking into your life now, you're not just a stay at home mom. You are, you know, going around the world singing and people. You're writing music, you're putting out songs. Like, I mean, that's a lot to carry. You have a big following now. And so what does that look like now for. For you, of course, still being the amazing mom that you are, but also working because one of my best friends is a stay at home mom. And we, like, we. It's so cool because we both face challenges in such different ways. It's challenging to be a stay at home mom. It's challenging to be a working mom. I love that I Have her in my life because we relate on a lot of things and we learn from each other on a lot of things. But there's challenges to both. And so how are you kind of carrying, walking through, being who you are and still. Still raising your fam?
A
It's just God, honestly, like, he gives me strength that I don't think I have. And as I'm fulfilling, like, I mean, my motherhood is a ministry, and I've learned that throughout the years is that's my first ministry. So if I'm serving that, you know, then I can serve my second ministry, which is in my marriage. And then my third ministry is what God called me to do. Sing and worship. But I just feel like God, like, serving so beautifully, like, put it all together, you know, and just weeks and months before American Idol came about, my husband was able to get a job where he just works from home. And so my husband is like my safety net, like, in all things. And he picks up all my slack. And God does most of all the heavy lifting, honestly, is what I can say. It's like, some days I'm like, oh, you know, like, this is a lot. This is crazy. And then, like, I feel days I'm like, bro, you got this.
B
Yeah. Hey, that's so just going with the punches. It's like motherhood and shell. Some days you're like, this is. It's going.
A
So you're sitting in the corner eating Oreos, crying.
B
That's real. That's so real. My husband sent me this DM yesterday, and I was like, I can't even be offended because that is so accurate. It was like Julie Andrews, like, at. It was a motherhood day. It was like 7pm Me putting my kids to bed. And she was like, singing like, you know, the Sound of Music. And it was so beautiful. And it was like 8pm and it turn to like some TV judge. And she was like, I'm literally done with all of you.
A
That's what I was like, yeah, I.
B
Can'T even argue that that's me. Sometimes I start out so strong at bedtime. I'm like, sing all the songs. We say the prayers, do the thing. And then an hour and a half in, I'm like, okay, go to bed. So it's so real. You gotta roll with it. But, friend, you've been such a delight to talk to you. So encouraging. I have been a big fan. I'm an even bigger fan now. I'm cheering you on so loudly and just so proud of who you are. And the way that you're sharing your story with the world. It's not easy, but you' testimony is going to inspire so many people. And I just want to affirm too that a couple times you said. I feel like you didn't say that right. I'm. I'm not kidding. Your words are life. I mean, they just speak so much life. One of my favorite verses. It's why we named a daughter Honey. Gracious words are like a honeycomb Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. And I just feel like your words were like honey to people who are listening today. And so thank you for sharing.
A
All glory to God. Honestly, thank you for saying that you're a fan of me because I'm a fan of you. I've literally watched you forever and it's just a privilege to be on here and you're an example to so many people, including myself and just an inspiration and you're wonderful. That's so sweet.
B
Thank you, Ra.
Episode: From American Idol to Audience of One – A Redemption Story
Host: Sadie Robertson Huff
Guest: Breanna Nix
Date: October 1, 2025
In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Sadie Robertson Huff sits down with Breanna Nix, recent American Idol finalist and worship leader, to explore Breanna’s incredible journey from a broken home to national recognition and spiritual redemption. Together, they discuss what it means to live for an “audience of One,” the complexities of seeking approval, finding one’s true calling, overcoming trauma and body image struggles, and building a family and faith from the ground up. Breanna’s vulnerable storytelling gives insight into the power of authenticity, perseverance, and God’s faithfulness in the face of life’s deepest wounds.
Discovery and Audition Process
On-Stage Experience
“God, if this is what you have for my life, I will get a golden ticket. But, Lord, I will put you first before anything.”
– Breanna Nix ([03:23])
“When God tells you to do something, that’s because he has a calling on your life. And your calling on your life is not going to match everybody else’s opinion.”
– Breanna Nix ([20:07])
“My weight loss journey… started out 100% as ‘I need to just be a certain size,’... now it’s more so turning into, how can I present myself every single day as a ministry to others through my body?”
– Breanna Nix ([27:03])
“I found him that night myself… I remember, like, falling down. And… when I woke up, I just felt like God was, like, literally getting my heart and just putting it back together.”
– Breanna Nix ([41:00])
“I was healed… fatherless has now found the Father. And, like, who I am is through my Daddy’s DNA.”
– Breanna Nix ([48:43])
| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote / Event | |-----------|------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 03:23 | Breanna Nix | “God, if this is what you have for my life, I will get a golden ticket…” | | 15:22 | Sadie R. Huff | “One of the most iconic moments…was when Carrie asked what you do and you said, ‘I’m just a stay-at-home mom.’” | | 20:07 | Breanna Nix | “When God tells you to do something, that’s because he has a calling on your life…”| | 27:03 | Breanna Nix | “How can I present myself every single day as a ministry to others through my body?”| | 36:20 | Breanna Nix | “I would eat so much that I would feel sick…and that was the only feeling I could feel.” | | 41:00 | Breanna Nix | “I just felt like God was…literally getting my heart and putting it back together.”| | 48:43 | Breanna Nix | “Fatherless has now found the Father…and who I am is through my Daddy’s DNA.” | | 54:52 | Breanna Nix | “My motherhood is a ministry and I’ve learned … that’s my first ministry.” | | 53:17 | Sadie & Breanna | Playful banter about not being “too picky” in dating: “It is about the heart… Hair color can change, a heart’s a lot harder to change.” |
This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking hope after hurt, wrestling with calling, or needing encouragement that God redeems the most broken stories. Breanna’s journey from trauma to testimony, her battle with insecurity, and her passion for authentic faith all point to a God who meets us in our mess, not after we've cleaned it up. Her story radiates with both humility and holy defiance: an anthem for anyone who ever felt disqualified but dared to say yes anyway.