Emmy Russell, the granddaughter of the late Country Music Hall of Famer Loretta Lynn, got emotional while performing on the reality singing competition show “American Idol” on Monday night.
The 25-year-old singer took the stage barefoot to perform an original song called “Skinny.”
“I just feel like I’m who God made me to be when I sing that song,” she told host Ryan Seacrest.
Russell was named as one of the current season’s top 20 during Sunday night’s episode, when she impressed the panel of judges by singing the original song, “Want You.”
“Miss Emmy, that was one of my favorite original songs that you’ve sang,” Katy Perry said of the performance. “I know that you were just a little nervous. I just want more breath, more long notes. Girl, like go swimming, learn how to hold your breath more. We need longer notes from Emmy, and I know that you have them. We need power. C’mon, let’s go. The time is now!”
“That was so you,” country artist Luke Bryan told Russell. “I loved it because it was so real, and I think you could really feel the emotion in that. That is what your artistry is about and don’t lose that. But listen, that thing that you did with that song really is your signature. It was very emotional and probably my favorite performance you’ve done.”
Lionel Richie echoed the other judges, telling her the song was a “hit” in the making.
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“First of all, before we go any further, that’s a hit record,” Richie said. “I don’t care. We can talk about the future, but that is a hit record, and my dear you are an incredible songwriter. Incredible performance.”
Russell is also the great-niece of country star Crystal Gayle. The singer began her career in Nashville with the release of music in 2023 and a debut at the Grand Ole Opry the same year. She was nominated for Performance of the Year at the 2023 CMT Music Awards after taking the stage at her grandmother’s CMT broadcast memorial.
During a recent appearance on the “Biscuits & Jam” podcast, she said, “Memaw [Lynn] passed down her guitar to me when I was 15 at the Ryman Auditorium. She said, ‘You’re the one that can do it.’ She always thought I had this spark about me, ever since I was a little kid. She felt she needed to give me the guitar as the torch in a way.”
Russell added, “Lord knows it if I can’t hold that. That’s too much.”