Watch: Loretta Lynn’s Granddaughter Moves Judges With Stunning American Idol Audition

Loretta Lynn’s granddaughter, Emmy Russell, just made her first American Idol appearance. And it was obvious to us and the judges that talent is in her bloodline—but her style and voice are all her own.

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When Emmy walked in front of Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie, she was visibly nervous. She was so reserved that all three judges had to work hard to pull her out of her shell.

However, when Emmy sat down at the grand piano to perform an original song called Skinny, she found her confidence. Her lyrics flowed with honest emotion and pitch-perfect soul, which immediately caught the attention of the judges.

After her short audition, Emmy Russell earned a ticket to Hollywood, and she was so overcome with happiness that she broke down in tears.

While singing, Emmy found a new group of followers who jumped on social media to praise her voice and songwriting skills.

The 25-year-old is just beginning to forge a music career, but she already has an impressive resume. Emmy has recorded several singles, including Skinny and Breakup Song. And she already made her Grand Ole Opry debut in April 2023—on her grandma’s birthday.

Interestingly, Emmy is jumping into her career later than most would have because she wanted to get out of Loretta Lynn’s shadow. But she eventually realized she was running from fate.

“I use to run from my family heritage and wanna make my own path,” she wrote on Instagram ahead of her Opry show. “I feel a deep connection to thank, accept and celebrate her, cause she believed in me from the start before anyone did. Not ashamed anymore. She was never ashamed of me. I’m a granddaughter, and I’m Emmy …. It’s all a part of me! This is the start of a beautiful journey. Couldn’t be more excited.”

According to the Kingston Springs Gazette, Emmy Russell knew that American Idol was her next step after the Grand Ole Opry because it drew singers sharing the same dreams. It also helped push her out of her comfort zone.

“I just wanted to be around other young creatives like me,” she said. “I think I just like the hard work of it. And it was outside the traditional way that my grandma had — which is a publishing deal, get the record deal.

“I wanted something out there and fun and just forced me to do it because I’m so shy and scared of going for it,” she continued.

Watch Emmy Russell compete on American Idol Season 22 every Sunday on ABC at 8 PM ET.

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