McKenna Faith Breinholt: Sings "Tumbleweed" From Nowhere Man and a Whiskey Girl - American Idol 2024

McKenna Faith Breinholt sings a song originally performed by her birth mother. 💙
Watch all of #americanidol on Hulu!
See more of American Idol 2024 on our official site: www.americanidol.com
Facebook: AmericanIdol
Twitter: americanidol
Instagram: americanidol
TikTok: tiktok.com/americanidol
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.

[@SarrodJ007]

Knowing the whole story here, gives me chills, makes me cry.. her singing her birth mother's and the horrible way Amy died..

[@janjamesramos247]

She has the most captivating tone to me... Stunning as always.

[@JesseGalleher]

I knew her mom and saw her perform her music in Bisbee, AZ many times before she tragically passed away.

[@GDuckPlayz]

To those bemoaning this song, saying it's boring, inarticulate. It's her birth parents' song. She only sang a portion of it. The lyrics are clear. It was beautiful, I feel. She's amazing; seems wise beyond her 25 years of age.

[@scruffypupper]

It doesn't matter whose song it is, lyrics are mumbled and indistinct.

[@wesfree891]

@@scruffypupper I would consult a physician about the symptoms of aphasia you’re experiencing if I were you

[@Jon-os2vg]

Not too wise if not wise enough to make a good song choice

[@MrFloydSaunders]

Don’t care what you all say, I loved this performance. She has a voice that is like pouring honey over whiskey.

[@dennisgendron9112]

Her mom's song is beautiful and she should be very proud of her daughters version, I think the song is a hit and McKenna is top 3

[@thehoop74]

She better be top 3!!!!! She is absolutely stunning and unique!!!! Her tone is insane!

[@car65los]

Then The Winner ...

[@monica-crystalarandia4081]

Tumbleweed, feather, lint ball, whatever- take me on a journey with those airy vocals!!!

[@lucitobreseno2100]

Amen. Very well said!!! 👏👏👏🥰🥰🥰Wow!!! Gorgeous "airy singing" with "soft velvety sound" and full of emotions. "Tumbleweed" is a gorgeous light song. "McKenna Breinholt" had a great understanding of her voice and had played "different dynamics" in different songs - "There Was Jesus", "The Story", "Both Sides Now", and "Tumbleweed". "McKenna" **SHINES BRIGHTLY!!!** in soft ballad kind of songs - very angelic voice - she has heavenly voice!!!🥰🥰🥰👏👏👏**YOU ARE "THE BEST OF THE BEST", "MCKENNA" - GOLD STANDARD WITH A VERY VERY HIGH LEVEL OF EXCELLENCE. ICONIC PERFORMANCES, SO FAR."!!!** 🥰🥰🥰🙏🙏🙏WOW!!! You just open the gate to heaven with those performances, McKenna!!! 👏👏👏McKenna Breinholt, you have an amazing and gorgeous voice!!! You sing like "Zephanie", winner of First Idol Philippines in 2019.🥰🥰🥰 🙏🙏🙏May the Almighty God shower you with more blessings and tremendous success! Jesus Take The Wheel. Amen.🙏🙏🙏

[@adrianjohncruz9484]

She deserves to win..I can hear her voice in records..very marketable ❤

[@justinthompson7404]

I have 5 or 6 that I would like to see win. She is one of them

[@jm_universe]

Her voice reminds me of the songs from the early 90s-2000s. Good times.

[@Exl908]

I’m so glad she sang this song again! Amazing performance McKenna!!

[@DELERiiOus]

Singing her biologicals mum song and the world getting to see it is magic

[@jaelespinoza5062]

CHILLS! This girl is the best of the best

[@efrenmoreno3]

Her & Abi top 2

[@jodibedard4306]

I love her voice and I think she could win...her mom is watching over her now...very proud. :) Tumbleweed is a beautiful song.

[@BenAnderson1]

First time I've heard this in her voice but she gives me serious Sarah McLachlan vibes.

[@erikcohen3368]

She’s Amazing On Stage

[@gloriakrueger6774]

In tears right now!!! Can't begin to imagine what McKenna must be feeling, singing her birth mother's song on American Idol!! Coming full circle in a bittersweet moment.... her mom must be crying right now!! I hope McKenna goes all the way!!

[@ConcertgoerJ.R.]

Absolutely Brilliant from start to finish!

[@chrissmith3369]

Her voice is astounding and her face is absolutely beautiful

[@edrivera4574]

Her Mom would have been so proud of her! Beautiful voice !🎤🎶🎵❤😊

[@balajiqbal1820]

Top 3 across all the seasons of American Idol!!

[@loganbrown456]

I love her voice so much, could listen for hours! AMAZING!!

[@adrian8426]

Beautiful, it sounds just like a mother singing a lullaby to her child before falling asleep.

[@ronpost587]

This is the best description for her performance. I could listen to this over and over and never tire of it.

[@logantherealone]

She's the best.

[@gmoney_12]

DEFINITELY DESERVED IT!! GREAT PERFORMANCE AS USUAL! GLAD SHE MADE IT!

[@kylamcdonald7803]

ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh she did her Bio Mom's song

[@jillianbalcazar5491]

OMG Congratulations McKenna Faith Breinholt for making through to The Top 14, You deserve It & When you sing your own original song ''Tumbleweed'' During Her performance of American Idol Tonight Wow I thought She did such A great & Amazing Job, Again She sound like She was singing from the heart, It was Beautiful & Very Entertainment!!! 👏👏👏👏

[@car65los]

Her Birth Mama Song ...

[@JesusRodriguez-kd8es]

I heard this song many years ago, it was from her mother. Look up nowhere man and a whiskey girl. It's a beautiful song. She is just as beautiful as Amy!

[@robertantonnyc]

working the camera, throwing away the lowest notes, easy, pure. She commands the stage like a pro. Always enjoy that husk in her vocal, like it's own character. Very nice.

[@lsutigers8619]

Brilliant amazing performance as always!

[@bunnybiddle4026]

She’s a star

[@peacethroughstrength172]

Love it and her! Beautiful alllll around. She is incredible and delivers flawlessly every time. She has earned it and isnt being carried through for anything other than her amazing voice, bearing and skill. This is how its done. Semper Fidelis

[@piabravo9045]

Just beautiful

[@tksorense]

Great job! The Joni Mitchell cover last night was the BEST!

[@silverparis2948]

McKenna is breathtaking everything about this is beautiful 🤍 Hope she wins this!!

[@sallyg3509]

Distinct voice. Beautiful. Look forward to hearing her first album.

[@HeroShades]

McKenna keeps on delivering her best performances of the season throughout her run. This woman so far hasn't disappointed. She knows what she's doing. That was stunning! She's also great at belting when she needs to on some songs she's done as well. I love seeing different sides of her. I also love this song!

[@jhhayes7241]

One of the best performances of the night. Her tone and delivery were exquisitely beautiful.

[@ryearanda]

It's definitely the girls' year! 🤍

[@moisessantana9834]

Ok. I was unsure at first, but I think we have the winner. It's not only her voice, she looks like a goddess.

[@user-iq7ox3wl9x]

Really a great rendition of a song from the soul McKenna has given the idol show a touch from our souls 😊😊😊

[@debbiesmitherman9295]

Awwww such a beautiful performance ! She’s always amazing . ❤

[@michelleao7994]

Brilliant✨✨

[@FADY-MAALOUF]

Her beauty is striking and that Smokey mysterious voice is just haunting ! What an enigmatic gorgeous Performer

[@frankwill8073]

her voice voice is so beautiful

[@herefydo914]

Emotional connection ❤

[@robinvanduser6085]

After I heard you sing, tumbleweed, I have decided to tattoo the title on my forearm to remember to let things go and move on as my father passed away last week and it was a complicated relationship

[@ilahmaecunanan2629]

What a very powerful performance ever for McKenna. 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@howielong2835]

This year the competition is fierce and as always America will choose a winner. I don’t know who their choice will be but I know who my favorite is.

[@SarrodJ007]

Such a beautiful soul, and to be born out of the situation she did, its an inspiring story. I recommend people watch the documentary, "Nowhere man and a Whiskey Girl", a lot of it will have you in tears, inspire you, and at the end they show the music video of "Tumbleweed" which had me in a pool of my own tears.

[@gwenkkyttv]

McKenna has become my favorite performance by performance. She has a unique tone and she makes me FEEEELLLL!

[@Lily-il2oo]

AMAZING PERFORMANCE DEFINITELY EXPECTING YOU IN THE AT LEAST TOP 5

[@AntoPhillips]

She is god!!! Incredible... This year the female talent is awesome. I hope this year we have a female winner

[@georgesunnywilliams9731]

What an awesome voice❤❤❤❤❤ She deserve to win

[@artofzenph]

She is the WINNER! 🏆🏆🏆❤❤❤

[@efrenmoreno3]

Wouldnt mind McKenna and Abi top 2 but I know Will and/or Triston might get there😒😭

[@majiccdtv]

the winner! complete!!! Love her voice ! and so beautiful! I love McKenna!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@sharonporcayo]

my God, she's so beautiful and talented!!! she's my fave

[@user-iq7ox3wl9x]

Wow what a voice judges are right people are looking for a singer who could tell the story without shouting screaming etc. McKenna does that with her voice looking forward to her future albums

[@matiasmuttoni9044]

This song is so beautiful.

[@traceymengert2168]

Beautiful ❤

[@LenyllsonMoura]

Her voice is so perfect. She could sing Gravity from Sara Beirelles. ❤

[@mezza.7]

This has to be the toughest AGT in years! The girls are incredible this year.

[@zoodrich_gala]

What a powerful performance

[@Soirse8]

She’s a dream . Love her voice ⭐️👏

[@BinaRamos1990]

She will win!

[@EstyOta-on9zp]

A star ⭐️

[@Safirlady]

Beautiful voice as always, 💕💗💗💛🌸🌸

[@vturengvtureng150]

Favorite ❤

[@weslleypaiva3407]

So pretty ❤

[@arkansasrazorbacks3843]

WOWED 😯

[@Gonepostal00]

Awesomeness

[@S.Shea2432]

STUNNING!! RAW!! Did Y'all cry? I sure did. 😭 Mckenna Faith, I honestly FELT EVERY SINGLE, RAW, HEART FELT EMOTION in your song, & your voice!! I honestly LOVED your entire beautiful, emotional performance!! McKenna Faith, Honestly, YOU, BEAUTIFUL made both your Mom, & your Birth Mom, SO PROUD!! 💜💜

[@ingridfaro7442]

so beautifully felt

[@hannahblack5744]

She is a lot like Julia. They were both searching for where they came from. They were both searching for a mom. They can relate.

[@dylanhogan9353]

Top 3 no doubt!

[@randomname9758]

Her raspy voice is so seductive that you can't help but to just stop and just listen. She is sublime.

[@SarrodJ007]

I wish they would have let her sing the full version..

[@colbyaubian3088]

Her voice is ethereal 😮‍💨

[@bettydamnboop3030]

🙌🥰🙌🥰🙌🥰🙌

[@earnestvalentinofanpage1187]

her birth mother has to be so proud of her

[@justinm.1]

🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@katiekirby3219]

Which episode was this from??

[@doctors8966]

I cant get in to this song feels like I'm at a Funeral

[@tdilover17]

My winner pick from the start!!

[@lucidarose613]

Much better song for her voice.

[@thefineprinteditorial]

Alanis Morisette essence to her xx

[@biolu52]

She remembersme london grammar

[@matthall113]

Her mum wrote that song for her

[@Vivo29e]

It's her biological mom music. *Goosebumps! 😭😭😭

[@Bringonsunshine]

😊❤

[@jasminecameron4026]

She’s such an angel…wow. Laci Kaye Booth energy meets Brandi Carlile up in here 👏

[@mr.grumps3544]

She favors a young Penelope Cruz here

[@allisonpoynor4457]

I don’t understand how people can understand the lyrics. I hear every single one. Like do I have super hearing or what? Lol

[@cor1817]

People that sound like they are trying to gasp for air when singing, is tough to listen too for some reason. Feels like their on the verge of messing up or cant quite get there. Anxiety ridden, listening to this type of voice.

[@MrFloydSaunders]

Her voice is just so beautiful, it feels like I am listening to honey. Beautiful tone and control. Top five for sure.

[@michelletomlinson1423]

Hoping she goes through great voice!!!!!!

[@tracks_5991]

Singing her Momma's song... Good for you

[@skater1642]

That rasp in her voice is very sexy. ❤😍

[@hopedesjarlais1740]

I tend not to connect to those don’t pronounce the words clearly

[@dingle_burry]

i know its her dead moms song and all...but its not very good. half of the the lyrics are " la da da" lol

[@HappyCentaur-jm9lm]

The song is a little longer than the versions she used tonight and in her audition. Personally, I found the music of Nowhere Man and a Whiskey Girl to be sweet and powerful.

[@allisonpoynor4457]

That’s just cause the show has to cut the song down. The “la da’s” are at the very end of the full song. You can find the full version with her mom here on YT.

[@mikemacdt1]

Boring and barely able to understand the lyrics

[@HappyCentaur-jm9lm]

Maybe one day we'll see you on The Voice of America's Got Talent or maybe one day you'll climb the charts. Looking forward to hearing your music and seeing you make something of yourself that is greater than these contestants.

[@mr.grumps3544]

It's her birth mother's song who is no longer alive. She is honoring her

[@margusmagi6703]

Arrangement is too poppy, the piano part ruins the song (the message / spirit of the song get lost). In that regard her audition improvisation was much better.

[@tommyvee4590]

I feel very bad for her. She seems to be a decent, sweet, authentic gal...but unfortunately she's slowly wading into the cesspool of slime known as Hollywood. It will destroy her spirit and her innocence will be ruled by the devil.😢