…because this is “our” girl McKenna.

The one who grew up with my Elle. And has been the best kind of friend.

Oh there is the biggest story behind this clip.

Family love stretching through years.

And biological families and adoptive families.

Family sacrifice.

Resilience and strength.

Mother love.

The deep kind that is there no matter what. No matter how deep the sorrows.

So much learning and growth and sorrow and joy.

But for now, the culmination of so many stories coming together. For one pretty big moment.

And we are SO excited for McKenna and this new season of American Idol to start!

See if you can watch that clip and not cry!

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13 Comments

  1. Hi Shawni, this is so powerful. I have just found my birth mother’s family too, so huge ugly crying going on here! I loved the song McKenna chose to sing – a big sign of how strong and important her faith is to her. I haven’t met any of my family yet, and am struggling with whether to tell my adopted family. Lots of big decisions to make.

  2. This is mind-blowing! Totally teared up.
    One part of it totally sent a shiver up my spine – I was struck by how McKenna’s story is similar to Gillian Welch’s (one of my favorite musicians). I looked up McKenna’s mom… and found out that *her* musical act was named after a Gillian Welch song! wild. I normally don’t watch TV but I might have to make an exception for this season’s American Idol.

  3. This is lovely. Te look on her face when she saw her birth family was so touching.

    We don’t get this version in the UK, so I’ll have to see if I can watch it on Youtube.

    Wishing McKenna well in this.

  4. Wow! So many tears here! Excited for her AI opportunity but to meet her birth family too!!! Cannot wait to watch and see what happens! McKenna has a beautiful voice and plays the piano wonderfully too! Love how she’s cuddled into her Dad waiting to hear the exciting news!

  5. I love this! I’m shocked how much McKenna resembles her adoptive mom!! And how sweet this story will be. Can’t wait to watch it.

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