Who is McKenna Breinholt? 'Potential winner' of 'American Idol' 2024, strikes melodic chord, leaving Katy Perry in tears
GILBERT, ARIZONA: McKenna Breinholt's audition in the premiere episode of 'American Idol' Season 22 brought Katy Perry in tears. The 25-year-old Gilbert, Arizona native not only impressed the judges with her exceptional vocal prowess but also skillfully conveyed a deeply emotional life story. McKenna, an established singer with 10.4K followers on Instagram, boasts a rich history in the music industry as a vocal recording artist.
In her introduction clip, she revealed, "I found out I was adopted as early as I could understand it. My mom struggled for several years trying to get pregnant, and eventually, they decided to go through the adoption process." Expressing gratitude for her adopted family, McKenna adds, "I have the best family in the world. They’ve always supported me." At the age of 21, she initiated a heartfelt conversation with her parents, seeking more insight into her biological roots. It was then that she discovered that her biological mother was Amy Ross Lopez, a musician who died.
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McKenna's musical talents stem from her birth family, whom she was about to meet in three weeks. Despite always connecting with her birth family via FaceTime, she feels like she has known them her whole life. Fans are certain that McKenna will get the ticket to Hollywood Week.
One fan commented, "Amazing have a feeling she could get far." Another asserted with certainty, "This was the incredible audition that I ever seen if she could make some confidence, in that voice she sang like an beautiful angel, She could end up winning the show in this day of age I hope she gets the opportunity for making music that comes to her, this moment."
One commented, "Girl you are not 25yo but your singing is priceless." Another cheered the singer, "McKenna for the win. You won't find anyone who can beat her voice." Another placed their bet, "Looking at a potential winner already."
'American Idol' Season 22: McKenna Breinholt works as a Flight Operations Support Specialist
Beyond her singing career, McKenna also serves as a Flight Operations Support Specialist at APS. Her responsibilities include both pre and post-flight preparations, such as cleaning airplanes, securing pilots in planes, uploading GoPro footage from flights, assisting pilots and the administrative team with any needs, and providing excellent customer service.
McKenna refers to her job as the "coolest job ever." In the video she posted,she showcases her daring side, attempting a lomcovak—an extreme aerobatic maneuver where the aircraft rotates at a certain axis.
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'American Idol' Season 22: Who is McKenna Breinholt's birth mother Amy Ross Lopez?
Amy Ross Lopez was a professional piano player and singer. She married Derrick Ross in her early 20s and together, the couple began their music career. The duo were known by the name 'Nowhere Man and a Whisky Girl.'
Unfortunately, Amy was later diagnosed with Systematic Lupus and was put to rest on October 14, 2013. Shortly after Amy's death, her husband Derrick also died. According to Legacy, Amy is remembered as someone who "uplifted her family and husband with indescribable courage, strength, and grace."
McKenna Breinholt's birth family surprises her in 'American Idol' Season 22 Audition
When Katy Perry asked if she wanted to invite her family for the final judgment, McKenna was astonished to see her birth family present behind the doors. The singer was left in tears, saying, "My birth family is here." Seeing McKenna reunited with her birth family left Katy overwhelmed and broke down into tears.
You can catch up with all the musical performances of 'American Idol' Season 22 every Sunday, premiering on February 18 at 8 pm ET on ABC.