american idol finalist in the Top 7 of the 22nd season McKenna Faith Breinholt was a fan favorite and captivated everyone not only with her incredible vocals but also her compelling story.and she has been very busy with her music career since competing on the reality singing competition show in 2024. At McKenna’s audition, she stunned the judges – Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan – with her phenomenal rendition of “There Era Jesus” by Zach Williams and Dolly Parton. McKenna is adopted and was shocked when her birth family surprised her at her audition.
McKenna’s biological mother was Amy Ross-Lopez, a musician who played with the duo Nowhere Man and a Whiskey Girl. She also performed the song “Tumbleweed” in her audition. All over american idol Season 22, McKenna lit up the stage with her captivating renditions of Brandi Carlile’s “The Story,” Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides, Now,” Chicago’s “Hard to Say I’m Sorry,” Taylor Swift’s “Cardigan,” Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls, “Everywhere I Go” by Lissie, “ET” by Katy Perry and “(To) Make You Feel My Love” by Adele. Since american idol the 22nd season has ended, McKenna has been very busy with her music career.
McKenna Faith Breinholt opened for her birth uncle’s band
McKenna comes from a musical family
In a June Instagram post, McKenna shared this she had the opportunity to open for her biological mother’s brother’s band, Due West, in St. George, Utah. She wrote, ‘Got to open for the one and only @duewestofficial this last Thursday. I LOVE MY FAMILY SO MUCH HHHH. McKenna shared photos of herself performing and of her and her family watching Due West perform.
McKenna Faith Breinholt performed at the Franklin Summer Bash
McKenna joined her fellow American Idol Season 22 alumni on stage
On July 30, 2024, McKenna performed at the Franklin Summer Bash in Franklin, Tennessee, along with some of his colleagues american idol season 22 contestants. They included Kayko, Mia Matthews, Kaibrienne, Jack Blocker and Quintavious Johnson. Additionally, Maddi Jane from The Voice season 25 accomplished.
In an Instagram post, McKenna photos and videos shared from the event. In the caption of the post, she wrote: “Getting together with the most amazing people on this planet and it feels sooo good. Last night’s @franklinsummerbash was definitely one for the books.”
McKenna explained, “The power went out when I started singing my last song, which happened to be Hillsong’s Oceans. When my microphone was turned off… the crowd began to sing a cappella to continue the song. All I can say is that I believe it was divine intervention and that the spirit filled the entire room as we all praised the Lord in unison and harmony. Forever grateful to be able to keep this memory with me forever. I love you Franklin!! You have my whole heart and I will definitely be back!!”
McKenna had vocal cord surgery
McKenna underwent the procedure after the show
During american idol season 22, fans fell in love with McKenna’s smoky voice. It turns out that his signature sound was actually the result of a polyp on his vocal cords. In an August Instagram post, McKennrevealed that she had recently undergone surgery to remove it. She wrote, “For those who don’t know, I recently had vocal cord surgery! I have had a vocal polyp for the last 10 years and finally decided to separate. The surgery went very well and the recovery is even better thanks to @unchainedwellness!” Unchained Wellness is a wellness clinic in Gilbert, Arizona, McKenna’s hometown.
McKenna was one of the most spectacular singers to ever grace the american idol internship. Their performances were very moving and emotional. Plus, her story was so relatable. McKenna has the potential to become one of the greatest american idol success stories of all time.
Sources: McKenna Faith Breinholt/Instagram, McKenna Faith Breinholt/Instagram, McKenna Faith Breinholt/Instagram