Due West band member reunites with long-lost niece on 'American Idol' a decade after sister's passing

Matthew Lopez, Brad Hull and Tim Gates make up the band Due West, Tucson, Arizona, circa 2023. After a decade of separation following his sister’s death and his niece’s adoption, this musician had an unexpected reunion, meeting her for the first time when she auditioned for American Idol.

Matthew Lopez, Brad Hull and Tim Gates make up the band Due West, Tucson, Arizona, circa 2023. After a decade of separation following his sister’s death and his niece’s adoption, this musician had an unexpected reunion, meeting her for the first time when she auditioned for American Idol. (Matthew Lopez)


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ST. GEORGE — After a decade of separation following his sister's death and his niece's adoption, this musician had an unexpected reunion, meeting her for the first time when she auditioned for American Idol.

"So many parts of this story are magical," Due West band member and musician Matthew Lopez said.

Chances are, you've heard about the country band Due West and their three band members: Lopez, Brad Hull and Richfield's Tim Gates. But right now, Lopez has gone viral for much more than his music.

Lopez told St. George News his sister Amy was diagnosed with lupus around age 23. When she found out she was pregnant at 25, she decided to give up the baby for adoption. She searched through piles of applications before choosing the Breinholt family as a forever home for her baby girl.

Read the full article at St. George News.

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