Emmy Russell, Granddaughter of Loretta Lynn, Impresses on American Idol
American Idol viewers were in for a surprise on Sunday night when Emmy Russell, the granddaughter of country music legend Loretta Lynn, took the stage to audition for the reality show. The 24-year-old musician from Nashville captivated judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan with her performance of an original piano ballad titled “Skinny.”
Introducing herself, Russell shared her lifelong love for music. “Growing up, I sang music my entire life,” she said. “I just love writing. I’m 24 years old. Songwriter. I love music. I don’t really sing out as much anymore, but growing up, I sang on the road with — my grandma’s a country singer, so I grew up singing.”
The judges were taken aback when Bryan asked about her grandmother. “Who’s your grandmother?” he inquired. Russell proudly replied, “Loretta Lynn,” before showcasing her grandmother’s ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee. She explained that Lynn, one of the biggest country music singers of all time, was simply her grandma to her. Growing up on the bus and being surrounded by music was a normal part of her life.
Despite her impressive lineage, the judges noticed Russell’s quiet and shy demeanor. However, she revealed that her timidity was intentional as she wanted to establish herself as an independent musician. “I think there’s a reason why I think I am a little timid, and I think it is because I want to own my voice, and I wanna own it,” she explained. “That’s why I wanna challenge myself and come out here and really step in and be like, ‘OK, come on, Emmy.'”
In a segment featuring Russell’s family, her mother Patsy Lynn expressed her daughter’s desire to be authentic and true to herself. “She just wanted to do this honestly [and say], ‘This is who I am, and this is what I do, and this is my heart,'” Patsy Lynn shared. She acknowledged the challenge of coming from a musical family and the pressure to fill her grandmother’s shoes. However, Patsy emphasized that Russell should create her own path and make her own mark.
The judges had mostly positive feedback for Russell after her performance. Perry commended her songwriting skills, saying, “Emmy, you’re an A+ songwriter. So was your grandma; you’ve got the gift. I don’t think you need to compare yourself to what grandma was — you’re totally different, you shouldn’t give yourself all that pressure. I think you came in like a mouse.”
Richie also recognized Russell’s potential and encouraged her to step out of her grandmother’s shadow. “My dear, you have promise, and I like your promise,” he said. “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.”
All three judges voted “yes” for Russell, ensuring her progression to the next round of the competition. Reflecting on her success, Russell shared her excitement and how she felt a connection to her grandmother. “I was thinking about my grandma, but I was also like, ‘Emmy, she’s with you, and now it’s your turn,'” she said. “I think I’m more like her now than whenever I was trying to be like her. I’m really excited.”
American Idol is currently airing its 22nd season on Sunday nights on ABC. This season will mark Katy Perry’s final season as a judge, as she recently announced on Jimmy Kimmel Live! that she wants to explore her own musical journey. “I love Idol so much,” Perry expressed. “It’s connected me with the heart of America. But I need to feel that pulse of my own beat.”
Emmy Russell’s audition on American Idol not only showcased her impressive musical talent but also highlighted her determination to establish herself as an individual artist. With her own unique style and songwriting abilities, Russell is ready to make her own mark in the music industry, carrying on the legacy of her legendary grandmother while creating her own shadow.
