Emmy Russell made her late grandmother and famous singer proud while auditioning for American Idol in front of judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan. Loretta Lynn’s granddaughter, who is based in Nashville, also paid tribute to the legend during her performance.
Emmy called Loretta Lynn “one of the biggest country music singers of all time.” “But to me, she’s just Grandma,” she added, noting that she also wants to carve her own path. “I think I am a little timid, and I think it is because I want to own my voice. That’s why I want to challenge myself and come out here,” she explained.
‘American Idol’ judges react to Loretta Lynn’s granddaughter Emmy
25-year-old Emmy played the piano to “Skinny,” and the judges were impressed by her openness and delivery of her 2023 release about body image and eating disorders. “You’re an A+ songwriter. So was your grandma. You got the gift,” said Perry following Russell’s performance. “I don’t think you need to compare yourself to what Grandma was,” Katy replied. “You’re totally different. You shouldn’t give yourself all that pressure.”
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Emmy was moved to tears when she made it to the next round in Hollywood, California, thanks to approval across the board. Richie had some advice for her: “Each one of us is trying to battle something that we’re trying to overcome. In your case, you have big shoes. Now if I can just get you to put those shoes back in the closet, that’s not your size.”
Emmy decided to focus on her music career after working as a Christian missionary into her early 20s. She has performed at high-profile events— including the Grand Ole Opry, where she did a tribute to her grandmother last April and a collaboration with Willie Nelson’s son, Lukas, months before.
The budding singer has released a couple of songs, including “Skinny,” which debuted in August 2023 in conjunction with Song House. “I’m not trying to please anyone other than myself,” she told The Tennessean in a recent chat. “But if people find themselves and their journey in my songs, that will allow me to make this my work for the rest of my life.”