How American Idol's Emmy Russell continues Loretta Lynn's legacy and what else to know
Nashville-based singer and songwriter Emmy Russell caught the attention of the "American Idol" judges after her audition for the reality show which aired Feb. 25. Russell sang an original song and garnered three "yes" votes from the judges. But that's not all you need to know about Russell.
Here are five things you may not know about the contestant who will continue on the show during its Hollywood week.
How is 'American Idol' contestant Emmy Russell related to Loretta Lynn?
As Russell took to the "American Idol" audition floor, the judges — and the world — learned that Russell comes from a strong lineage of powerful women performers. Her maternal grandmother is the late country music legend, Loretta Lynn. Russell is also the great-niece of Lynn's sister, Crystal Gayle.
Russell shared during her "Idol" audition that she grew up on Lynn's ranch just outside of Nashville and spent much of her childhood on a tour bus, which seemed "very normal" to her.
"She's one of the biggest country music singers of all time, but to me she's just my grandma," Russell said during the show.
How old is Emmy Russell?
Russell was 24-years-old when her audition for "American Idol" was recorded, however, she has since turned 25.
Although she pursued singing at a younger age, she took some time off during her early 20s to tour the world as a Christian missionary.
Has Emmy Russell performed on television before 'American Idol'?
Yes. In Oct. 2022, Russell was part of a star-studded tribute to her late grandmother.
"Coal Miner's Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn," aired live on CMT from the Grand Ole Opry. Russell and Lukas Nelson, son of Willie Nelson, sang a duet of "Lay Me Down," from the movie "Coal Miner's Daughter."
In April of 2023, Russell made her official debut at the Grand Ole Opry with a song aptly titled "Memaw's Guitar."
Russell hasn't released any full-length albums of material, but does have two songs, "Skinny" which she sang on "American Idol," and "Breakup Song" on Spotify. The Tennessean previously reported she is working with Grammy-winning Songwriting Hall of Fame songwriter Liz Rose on some new material.
Who is Emmy Russell's mom?
Emmy Russell is the daughter of Patsy Lynn Russell and Philip Russell. Patsy is Loretta Lynn's daughter and she is half of the sister duo The Lynns with her twin sister Peggy Lynn. Both Patsy and Emmy grew up on Lynn's ranch in Hurricane Mills just outside of Nashville.
In addition to her singing career, Patsy Russell also has some acting credits to her name with appearances in shows such as "Fire Down Under," "Walker Texas Ranger," and "Intimate Portrait."
Patsy Russell was at Emmy's audition for "American Idol" and said she "wanted to do this honestly. This is who I am, this is what I do and this is my heart," Russell said of her daughter.
When will we see Emmy Russell perform again on 'American Idol'?
The show airs on Sundays at 7 p.m. on ABC and still has a few more weeks of auditions before getting to "Hollywood week" where viewers will get their next glimpse of singers who got the golden ticket, including Russell.
Russell was sent through to the next level of the competition with three "yes" votes from judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: How American Idol's Emmy Russell is part of Loretta Lynn legacy
