Loretta Lynn’s Granddaughter Brings ‘American Idol’ Judges To Tears With Tribute To Grandma

Loretta Lynn passed away in 2022 but her legacy lives on in her legendary discography and in Lynn’s granddaughter Emmy Russell. Emmy is charging full steam ahead into the music industry as she progresses through American Idol and left not a single dry eye among the judges with one of her recent performances.

Season 22 of American Idol is underway and swiftly honing in on the grand finale. Sunday saw contestants narrowed down to the Top 8, followed by yet another elimination round on Monday night. Sunday saw Emmy jam out to a nostalgic hit before she was tasked with singing one of Lynn’s most iconic tracks, a feat she pulled off with stunning poise. Here’s how she’s faring in the music contest.

Emmy Russell is coming into her own on the stage of ‘American Idol’

Sunday’s task of the night asked contestants to perform a hit song from the year they were born. 25-year-old Russell chose Blink-182’s 1999 “All the Small Things.” Her rendition was an acoustic cover that earned approval from judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan.

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“I saw something on that last performance I really enjoyed,” praised Richie, “you having fun,” Richie said. “You were actually relaxed.” In the past, the judges had addressed Emmy’s apparent lack of confidence and their hope that she would feel more comfortable on stage as she advanced.

“Yes, Ms. Emmy,” agreed Perry, “comfortable looks good on you. You really are kinda growing into this.”

“If you would’ve told me a month and a half ago one of your best vocals would be a Blink-182 song… that’s what’s so fun about this show,” Bryan affectionately teased.

Loretta Lynn’s granddaughter Emmy Russell brings the ‘American Idol’ judges to tears with her tribute to grandma

Advancing in the Top 8, Lynn’s granddaughter Emmy and her fellow contestants were tasked with singing a song chosen by the judges. Russell sang “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” originally performed by the legendary Lynn. The track is considered Lynn’s signature song and, upon its initial release in 1970, rocketed to number one hit on the Billboard Country chart.

Emmy sat behind a piano and launched into a cover of Lynn’s song that had all the judges in tears. Even her fellow competitors were stunned, both by the strength of her performance and by Emmy’s growing confidence and surety as an artist on one of the biggest stages in the world.

Tearfully, Perry praised, “I chose this song not because you’re Loretta Lynn’s granddaughter, but because you are Emmy Russell and you can do anything now as Emmy Russell.”

With that memorable moment, Emmy once again was chosen to advance further into the competition.