McKenna Breinholt Shares Her Adoption Story & Sings Her Birth Mother's Song! - American Idol 2024

McKenna Breinholt from Gilbert, Arizona shares her life story: She was adopted as a baby and never met her birth mother, who was also a musician.
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AMERICAN IDOL, the iconic series that revolutionized the television landscape by pioneering the music competition genre, returns on ABC.
American Idol 2024
Helping to determine who America will ultimately vote for to become the next singing sensation are music industry forces and superstar judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. Emmy® Award-winning host and producer Ryan Seacrest continues as host of the beloved series, for the historic 22nd season.

[@pamelablunt1839]

I am from Bisbee. We all LOVED Whiskey Girl and Nowhere Man. Amy was amazing and it was so tragic when she died so young from kidney failure, Derrick following soon after taking his own life to be with her. We miss them and we all cried when we heard this amazing story..and the beautiful voice of Amy’s daughter. We are all rooting for you!!!

[@Jenny-el9iu]

❤️❤️❤️

[@Praben]

Who are those people? I know one is the grandma, how about the other 3?

[@stephaniecarter6997]

Thank you for sharing a little more insight- what a beautiful story that has come full circle ❤

[@car65los]

@@Praben Amy's Sisters And Amy's Brother.

[@shamekajoseph1636]

Was Derrick her dad?

[@stephenfioirno6040]

Give the adopted parents a big hug for being so open. They knew it meant a lot to her. One of the special moments on AI.

[@morethanenough6179]

Most adoptive parents aren’t as open 😢

[@alandevanny4089]

Her birth Mom actually picked the adoptive parent from many applications they met before and after the birth even exchanged letters for a time

[@morethanenough6179]

@@alandevanny4089 open adoptions that is awesome. That wasn’t a thing in the 60’s

[@user-ey6zk3ri7z]

What a beautiful family who raised this precious girl❤

[@donnanash5057]

Yes. I don’t imagine it was the easiest thing they have done. They sure did a fine job raising her ! Had to be a very emotional time for all of them!😊

[@jonathanvilla7280]

For a quick minute the grandmother got her daughter back thru her granddaughter performing her mom's song. That was amazing.

[@car65los]

Indeed.

[@veemccoy617]

Staaaapp!! Your comment made me crying like a baby! 😔🩷

[@2ndhandSue]

This was such a beautiful and incredible reunion. I cried huge ugly sobs alone in my apartment, afraid I would disturb my neighbors. Crying for the loss of Amy, crying for the miracle of the birth family being reunited with Amy's daughter, and crying most of all for the incredible grace and goodwill of McKenna's adoptive family who didn't just grudgingly allow visitation to her birth family but welcomed them with open arms to join with them as one big family! This is the greatest gift adoptive parents can give their child - the opportunity to know where they came from and who they are.

[@benediktholtappels8330]

Can you believe the instant chemistry between both families? That’s probably the best part for me. And I am saying this being totally blown away by her voice.

[@alandevanny4089]

The families had met unknown to McKenna at her uncles Nashville home a few nights before

[@morethanenough6179]

@@alandevanny4089 someone that has been in a reunion, I hope McKenna’s heart will stay protected .

[@itsmeveda]

She sang in my church!! Holy. Everyone was in tears. Natural talent.

[@maryarnez3730]

Where was that? She’s amazing!!

[@itsmeveda]

@@maryarnez3730 Lds Church in Gilbert 💝

[@kimberlynporter5207]

When the family sang along to her moms song I lost it

[@itsmeveda]

@@maryarnez3730 Lds church in gilbert

[@itsmeveda]

@@kimberlynporter5207 For reals! When I see her again I want to check in.

[@matthewduncan214]

She looks just like her Adopted mother… I would’ve never thought in a million yrs that she was adopted!! She looks just like her mother🥰

[@randomrog66]

Exactly my thought

[@madreep]

I look just like my adoptive mother as well. More than her bio kids do.

[@rynbarrett844]

​@@madreep same with me and my mom! What's funny is she's half Japanese by blood (she was adopted as well) and I'm whiter than bread 😂

[@robcreek3683]

And you still think she's adopted

[@shawnteeisme]

People always tell me I look like my adoptive family too lol

[@micheleharker6135]

After 43 years, I found my birth mother, my 2 sisters, and my brother. We connected in Sept 2023. It still doesn't feel real. I'm so happy for McKenna!!! ❤

[@traceygurley1]

That’s so wonderful!! After 55 years, I got to meet my sisters and other family last June. ❤

[@davidkennedy6227]

My wife at about 43 when she found her dad using ancestry DNA thing. My wifes mother was murdered when she was only one year old. So she was flown from Florida to VA to live with her granny . Its truly amazing that my beautiful sweet wife turned out to be so sweet, because her granny was one of the most hateful women to be on planet earth, no wonder my wife's mother left home at a early age. So my wife had no family until she met me when she was about 19 and I was 22. God blessed me when I found this jewel. Anyhow we was blown away when we found this info of possibly being her dad. It took months for her to build up the courage to contact him. One evening I talked her into it. What a mistake, what a asshole this man was, he was there at the hospital when my wife was born, he knew about her, he had a relationship with the mom for the next year but made no attempt after my wife's mother was murdered to ever contact my wife. My wife was crying when she started talking to him, she couldn't believe she was talking to her dad, she finally had family after 43 years , but she was crying harder after talking to this man, what a asshole, forgive my language , but that's one call I wish we never made. This man not only lied about things as he was talking he kept twisting his story. By the end of it , now this is deep , but by the end of the conversation I'm fully convinced this man was the very one that took my wife's mother's life. There's alot to this story and I won't get into it all but I'll say this, my wife talks good about everyone, she tries to see the best in everybody but even her mouth dropped open with the things he was saying and after everything was put together, myself, my wife, our kids, all believe this man killed my wife's mother. Not the beautiful story we was after. But the great news is, she has been contacted by many of her family she never knew she had on her dad's side and they are some of the sweetest people and now after about 5 years arrangements are being made for us to go west and meet cousins she never knew she had and they are all upset that the dad hasn't reached out to my wife since the second time she contacted him, which after we put together everything she has no desire to ever meet him, even if he didn't do the crime he's still a ass.

[@stephaniadenning1071]

Extremely extraordinary Story❤

[@makellyjt]

So kind are her adoptive parents to not just support but truly involve her biological family ❤

[@KatieJernigan]

Right? What beautiful people ❤

[@alandevanny4089]

Her birth mother actually chose her adopted parents they met before and after the birth exchanged letters for a time after the adoption

[@Elizabeth-mp6tr]

This story is what HEAVEN IS....with healing tears! Her story needs to be made into a movie, it's so inspiring!

[@kbmusicmaker96record]

True

[@kbmusicmaker96record]

Should be definitely!

[@dorothyharoharo4607]

Definitely 😢

[@roxanemontegna9867]

Their story has depth and beauty. Love to Ranelle. She's multi talented and a beautiful soul.❤

[@user-bl9yi5vd2d]

She should sing Desperado by the way eagles she would kill it 3:42

[@Hobodeluxe960]

The sheer pride and joy on her grandmother's face got me. I was crying from that moment on.

[@cherylalt101]

I know, right? Grandma was singing along a bit, she knew those words. It was vety, very touching and beautiful.

[@highoctanehustleofficial]

Not to mention you could see her mouthing the words of Tumbleweed, and feeling the spirit of her daughters memories come flooding through. As an adoptee I frankly never wanted to find my birth family. The parents who raised me to some degree traumatized my sister and I, so I feared that if I found them it would turn out the same way. They want something from me I couldn’t give. This fills my heart that her adoptive parents were so open and so secure in the bond they’d created with their daughter that they aided her in fulfilling that need that I believe comes with many adoptees. In my life I’ve intellectualized the WHY. And it has served me. However the joy and connectedness I felt and still feel with my own flesh and blood help to heal my missing parts. ❤❤❤❤

[@noirjacques3274]

That’s how you crash an audition… sort of! ❤

[@roxanemontegna9867]

​@@highoctanehustleofficial❤

[@paullamoly7156]

This girl has STAR written all over her. The voice, the face, the composure.

[@IsAndG]

I’m from Tucson. Bisbee’s Nowhere Man and a Whiskey Girl were loved here and we felt this loss. This story is beautiful ❤️ Rooting for you, McKenna

[@melissaarispe1551]

The maternal grandmother probably sees her daughter in her.she has come back to her through her grand daughter.God works in mysterious ways.shes a excellent singer.very beautiful young lady❤❤❤

[@thepoetthatwasi1722]

God is a pigment of your imagination, but nice sentiment anyway.

[@thepoetthatwasi1722]

Dog Bless!

[@jonathanvilla7280]

Just for a moment she got her daughter back after losing her thru her granddaughter. I can't imagine how's she's feeling.

[@melissaarispe1551]

@@jonathanvilla7280 so true

[@judytripalot]

Tears of joy 🤣🤣🤣

[@daveday999]

This means so much to us folks from Bisbee… Nowhere Man and A Whisky Girl were loved in our town 🥹

[@roserocks1979]

Wow, that voice, so beautiful. I love that her parents included her birth family. So unselfishly giving, so loving, so understanding. I hope she goes far in music, and in life.

[@Straightupshooter]

She’s gorgeous, talented, well mannered and an absolute joy. Her parents raised her well.

[@johnhernandez6739]

This is so cool! I knew her natural mom Amy and Derek AKA No where man and whiskey girl. Derek was my son's guitar teacher here in Willcox AZ. This made me cry... my whole family loved them soo much.

[@matthewjensen1541]

Incredible she's really good hope she makes it far in the competition

[@deportes84]

OMG. McKenna is a great artist and her birth mom had incredible talent as singer and composer

[@suzannagibson911]

I thought the same thing. I would have never know she was adopted her smile and feature’s look like her adopted Mom. You can see her beauty soul when she sings. What a beautiful moment to share with the world

[@sarahp3144]

Kudos to her birth mom for giving her life. Look at this wonderful gift she is able to give back to her family, after her own death!!!

[@MitziHart]

As a now 60 yr young adoptee, I found both my birth parents 35 yrs ago, still together, since having me @16 !! This was such a joyous & heartfelt reunion,… and YUP, I’m still balling as I share this reply 🫶🏼

[@emilyk.5664]

I'm so glad you found them. I'm sure it was so difficult at such a young age for them to place you for adoption. But so wonderful you can have a relationship with them now 🙏🤍

[@MitziHart]

Thank-you,… and I’m very grateful that they are still together to this day, but no other children 😌 My birth dad was also a musician during the ‘free lOve sixties, so I’ve always dreamt that one day, I would get a knock on my door from a long lost sibling 🤭

[@donna1648]

She deserves the Platinum ticket ! Beautiful voice like no other. I could have listened to her all night. Can't wait until I hear her sing again!

[@elizabethenglish1790]

Me neither I'm rooting for her and Micaela

[@armandob.castenelli3525]

Find her on KZbin as "McKenna Breinholt" and support her videos she has already made, and subscribe to her page. I did.🙏

[@robertantonnyc]

She's so easily emotional, good raspy tone. I wanted to hear more. This was so natural, comfortable, a nice little whispered husk on the ends of phrases. Very well done!

[@ellameulman]

Wow you can actually find McKenna's mom singing on KZbin. They sound so much alike! What her grandmother says is true it's like a ghost she can hear her daughter through McKenna's voice. It's so beautiful and i hope she makes it really because her singing is awesome!

[@nateuhrich3153]

God bless her parents. This is the sign of true love that they would open their arms to all of this young woman’s family regardless of the situation. Man this kind of stuff gives you hope…

[@silkexkaname]

I cried when she sang her birth mothers song! She has such a beautiful vocal and it was just really touching watching this.

[@buzzlight680]

Me too,absolutely ❤

[@L2FlyMN]

That one had me bawling with joy!!! It was like her birth family got a glimpse of her mother back in their arms! 😭😭😭 And the good chills from her voice!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ I’ve now watched this several times, and it still brings tears of joy to my eyes!!! Absolutely beautiful in so many ways!!!

[@syabaruddinmalik1315]

This is a full circle moment for Amy Ross Lopez's arc. I pray she is in peace now knowing that her daughter is now following her footsteps. I know she will be watching her daughter's journey proudly from up there.

[@henrydenner5448]

I love her softness, her humility and her gentle spirit. Best wishes to her!

[@aljonsalibio]

Why are you doing this to me Idol? Every audition year. I always cry of great contestants, great voices, great life stories. 😭💗

[@PaulWolfe1]

I've watched them all, this is the best audition in the history of Idol.

[@althurdjerah]

I agree totally! I would say, best story IN ALL TELEVISION SHOWS HISTORY.

[@Johnnash001]

It really is, I can't think of a more compelling story.. In many ways it makes me rethink not having kids.. The only think we can really leave behind in this world is someone to carry on our legacy.

[@MrJc7998]

Music is the ultimate gift, ultimate healer, it’s the ultimate blessing.

[@elizabethjasso-vargas7552]

She is beautiful and so is her voice. So happy for her, that she got to meet her birth family.

[@scottburdick7187]

Amazing. Top 20 for sure! Good listen to the cry of her smoky voice for hours! Beautiful woman, voice, and God has blessed their families even more so now! Best of luck McKenna

[@car65los]

Top 2

[@brittanym7491]

Hopefully the winner. I don't even care about anyone else at this point

[@-D-W]

Just as Katy said she was going to do, I did a search for Nowhere Man and a Whiskey Girl. The gift of phenomenal chops definitely runs in the family! McKenna, my heartfelt condolences on your birth mother passing away at a relatively young age, and not affording you the opportunity to meet her. After listening to a few of her songs, including Tumbleweed, I am positive that she would be extremely proud of you!! 💕

[@TokTickles]

Nobody is going to beat her! Give her the IDOL AWARD NOW! 🎉🎉❤❤

[@rjohnston7094]

Every year on Idol I look for the one singer that touches my heart with raw emotion. Last year it was Ian Tongi and now it's McKenna. Judging from the reaction to her appearance, I'm not alone. Can't wait to see where her journey takes her.

[@johnnykizer4644]

This girl was amazing really good singer a really touching story I was in tears

[@joelouiscaunga8961]

This was one of the best and heart warming auditions I've ever seen in Ameican Idol. This melted my heart. Made me miss my mom too. Congratulations Mckenna.🎉🎉🎉💚💚💚

[@conishkee]

OMG, when McKenna's bio family surprised her by being there, I cried. She gave a fabulous audition and singing a song her bio mom once sang was the icing on the cake for everyone. She took them all back down memory lane!

[@douglashayes3167]

I could listen to and watch her all day... there is a peace and joy that she just naturally has... its infectious.... I feel blessed to have been able to hear that...

[@doughuie7578]

Oh goodness, what a performance. Clearly a top 5 on American Idol but will pull for her to win at all!!. Love her natural voice!

[@cj5056]

Love Whiskey Girl and Nowhere Man. They were amazing to watch live in Bisbee. She is definitely proud of you! What a full circle moment.

[@susanbockh5071]

Her adoptive mother looks like she could be her birth mother... What a beautiful young lady .

[@rojamillerover]

I said the same thing

[@carolynkettle1690]

She sings so effortlessly….wow!

[@blessedlife1206]

Her voice is amazing… tumbleweed has me is tears 😭

[@jrizzledrizzle4697]

The daughter she never knew is the one who brought her back to life

[@althurdjerah]

Beautifully said!

[@thepoetthatwasi1722]

OK, I've heard the latest auditions, but I keep coming back to yours, McKenna. That should tell you something. Stay humble while you climb the ladder of success. All the best. ❤

[@danielstephen9892]

I haven't cried this much for a while now, God bless her and her family ❤❤❤

[@jeanrevolus5571]

Tears just fill my eyes anytime I watch this video. Great story! Her voice is so beautiful!

[@silvereaglehere]

That was a real tear jerker when she opened that door.

[@faustman1000]

She's so beautiful. She's transparent, vulnerable, and such brightness shows through her eyes. Beautiful stature and smile, she'll make great albums and great album covers. Such a unique voice. Would love to see her sidename be "Tumbleweed"

[@subtlefps]

Amazing Voice. One of the most beautiful women I have seen. You can tell she's a good person. I'm so happy she got this special moment/surprise. I think I'm in love. Also huge props to her adoptive family for letting her seek them out and ensuring she gets as much love and support as possible.

[@bradcrawford1998]

This girl is TOP 10 material. OMG, I am going to buy her first music she puts out. INCREDIBLE sexy, raspy, BEAUTIFUL voice. Just makes my spine tingle and that ain't easy to do. Her maturity level for 25 is through the roof man, she's SO composed to 😋

[@georgia1191]

I love her voice I want an album

[@PaulineWallner]

This is so special. McKenna’s mom left a pathway for healing and a hauntingly beautiful legacy. Good luck young lady. 🙏🙏❤️❤️

[@DT-hp8de]

This woman deserves every good thing in this world!

[@car65los]

She will a receive a Big Blessing From Jesus Christ.

[@BrandonCiCi]

Her voice so soft, smooth, relaxing, and just beautiful! ❤

[@mizmp33ot15]

What a beautiful story. Went through meeting my birth family two years ago. Found them after 58 years

[@traceygurley1]

I’m so happy for you!! I did it at 55 last June. ❤

[@lyttlemanjd]

My eyes just running. Leaks keep springing up. Had to hug my pillow this is full of so many feels. God bless this family, birth adopted all of em.

[@kameshaholloway12]

The fact she’s lifting up Jesus on tv 🙌🏾🙌🏾 Glory be to God wow!!! ❤

[@GameChanger597]

Yes! GO JESUS!!👏

[@car65los]

Amen.

[@stephypooh5214]

Yes amen to that!!! 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️

[@stefanvanrensburg6096]

God works in mysterious ways🙏❤

[@dakilacabrera7]

Perfect timing. Birth family was there because of Jesus.

[@dexterblandin5384]

THAT ONE GOT ME....TEARS ARE FLOWING!!!!

[@IndianaPate]

You are unbelievable singer but gift to the music world. Your biological mom is looking down on you but guiding you through the unconditional love she had for you and never let you know. God Bless and you are a diamond in the rough as a musician but artist like your mom.

[@SRT-GEE]

First off, she is beautiful omg and her voice is amazing 👏🏾

[@chosenone4794]

😢 I can't stop the tears from falling, so amazing to be 😍 loved by your adopted and biological family! ❤ My Glory be to God❤

[@HeroShades]

McKenna has an amazing voice and loved the song choice. She is a contender to make the finale.

[@car65los]

She Will And She Might Win.

[@BodaciousBubbles]

yeah yeah thanks for making me cry. Tumbleweed was beautiful and so was the moment. Thank you for letting them have this forever

[@jouamua]

She is incredibly talented. She's beautiful, she can play the piano and she can sinnnngggg!

[@NLGhostWolf]

Such an amazing story, her voice and her glow was transcending and the reactions of all her loved ones.... Beautiful... Hats off to her mom and dad for making this happen and for being so open and understanding... Seeing the reactions on the faces of her birth family and when her aunt said, "McKenna you've got to be kidding"... Watched it a half dozen times now and someone puts water in my eyes every time... Beautiful family beautiful story....

[@moonmommaa]

absolutely stunning voice. her story is beautiful. then met her birth family that made me cry. 🥲

[@jillianbalcazar5491]

When This contestant sing ''There Was Jesus'' By Zach Williams & Dolly Parton During Her first audition of American Idol Tonight Wow I thought She did such A great & Amazing Job, I agree with Lional She got That raspy smoky storyteller voice!!!

[@christophernix906]

With everything all around us going on, its an inspiring and beautiful story like this that instills just how great God is!!! Good luck McKenna and may God continue to bless you and both of your families...

[@MrHURRICANESANDY]

I love all the little looks the coaches give each other. There’s so in sync they just talk to each other with one look.

[@lauradehart8182]

Well I just ugly cried…😭 Beautiful story. ❤

[@beverleyreid563]

Beautiful. Her story is amazing. I wish her well.

[@luccamoreira7871]

Man, I'm in tearsss. I think it was the most emotional presentation, just beautiful....❤️

[@gailsfoodandstuff]

ok, soooo, i have watched idol from day ONE! i rarely cry or get sappy during what i call “sob stories” but after finally seeing this episode, once i had time (earlier tonight) i cried. then i went to see her mom’s videos, on youtube as i jotted down the name of her band, and i cried again. wow, this is crazy. This hit home with me as my late mom was a local singer who opened for some big names back in the day, then came home to her normal life to raise me and my two brothers (in woodbridge, va). It was there where i would learn my mom’s own songs, and sing/play them on the piano. she loved it. and i too have my moms’ memories on video and recordings, that i can get on line or just pop in her cd. (well, it was on a record and cassette tape back in the 80’s, lol). I enjoyed this clip a lot. ❤

[@tb1989.]

Apart from her audition being absolutely incredible and all of her family seeming so genuinely nice people, the moment when she sang her birth mom's song... I think that's one of the most emotional moments I've ever witnessed. Thank you, Idol!

[@yankeeladee02]

Being adopted and having been through something similar, it’s an INCREDIBLY emotional and life-altering moment in life. The peace it brings is indescribable. Much love… It’s a lot to process. P.S. She’s a stunning singer 💫

[@diggsclarence]

Tears just fill my eyes. This is beautiful....Katy, thank you for allowing them share those moments and asking all the questions about her.

[@Mr.Z-pk2rp]

I love this kind of voice. Greetings from France

[@lorijane831]

Absolutely top 10 . What an incredible voice, story, and yes, we looked her mother up as well. Tears throughout.

[@ME-nk2og]

What an awesome story...her voice, her beauty! WOW! Her mom would be so proud. Good luck McKenna!

[@Dimplez816]

Actually surprised SHE wasn't one of the PLATINUM tickets BUT the 2 they have given out were much deserved as well!

[@Zarab923]

That grandmother just wrecked my soul. She misses her baby so much and just a piece of her back.

[@joshualong7368]

Absolutely beautiful; the singing, the story, the person. Love it! Thank you Jesus!

[@samcc1111]

Wouldn’t be surprised if Hollywood takes that story and makes a movie! That voice, that song, 🎼Wow. Heartfelt. She came across as very grounded and authentic which makes her even more attractive than she already is. 🍀

[@car65los]

You Are MANIFESTING The Truth And It Will Happen.

[@michaelpaul5682]

If you want to hear a young McKenna, listen to Hallelujah from 8 years ago. I've been a follower of hers ever since. Simply beautiful and what a story.♥️🎼🎶

[@evanselaban7058]

Now that was an audition and her story is amazing a real tear jerker for sure

[@DanielOliverio]

Great song choice. Unique voice. Absolutely beautiful. Wisdom beyond her years. Beautiful inside and out. Love this. Good luck sweetheart! ❤

[@dawnadaves3254]

agree, carrying her Mom's legacy ❤

[@rsalvador]

This was so beautiful! Her birth mom is smiling so much in heaven ❤

[@hearmenow909]

She's my favourite so far. She has so much potential, can't wait to see her shine in this competition.

[@teresawilliams1983]

This is what American Idol is all about. Keep making American’s dreams come true!! Shout out to the wonderful foster parents for a job well done!

[@marah9404]

Just give her the crown and drop an album, the season is over as far as I’m concerned! She’s the whole package!

[@KatieJernigan]

It’s going to be her and Odell Burton. You can’t possibly choose between the two! It’s a TIE!!

[@hoyvintagecycles2936]

I was adopted as a baby and met my birth family 25 years later. Both mothers called the adoption agency the same day looking for each other!! I sing too. im 54 now.

[@rojamillerover]

Amazing

[@user-tq5hy4dt2w]

If I owed a Record Company I would sign her up! She was my # 1 on American Idol.. ❤

[@shinwata8396]

What a story and what a voice. She is such a storyteller and should be signed.

[@austinevans9880]

I bawled my eyes out for this entire thing. I wish her nothing but success and happiness.

[@pr1smYT]

I'm a 250LB 44 year old man and this brought me to tears.

[@tylerclayton1146]

I am a 410 pound 66 year old man and I cry every time I watch this. Tender Teddy Bears!

[@hermosasons1]

I put her mom on one phone and her on the other and listened with tears pouring from my eyes. Omg what an angel. And what parents she has with all the love encouraging her to find her family. BLESS THEM TRULY BLESS THEM GOD ❤

[@car65los]

Amen.

[@hilberryable]

One of the most beautiful voices and such a beautiful soul. Her birth mother would have been so proud.