Emmy Russell speaks out on 'American Idol' elimination before 2024 finale: 'God's plan'

Emmy Russell might not have made it to the "American Idol" finale, but she's taking her Sunday night elimination in stride.

The 25-year-old singer-songwriter – whose grandmother is country music icon Loretta Lynn – took to Instagram on Tuesday to thank her fans for voting her into the Top 5 of Season 22 and share why being sent home isn't considered a setback for her.

"I'm just really feeling grateful. I didn't make Top 3, but ... that was God's plan. That was funny because before I got eliminated, I think God told me, he was like, 'Emmy, you're not gonna be chosen by America, but I chose you,'" Russell said.

She continued, "There was no sense of 'Why wasn't I chosen?' I know I'm chosen. It's like whenever a boy is like, 'I don't wanna go out with you anymore.' And you're, like, 'OK. But I know I'm loved.'"

Russell went on to explain why she connected so much with the second to last song she performed on her "Idol" journey, "The Climb" from "Hannah Montana: The Movie."

"For me, the point of being here is you can be yourself and be successful. Don't run from rejection or pain and facing hard things. You know, like, I didn't want to climb this mountain. I sang 'The Climb' from Miley Cyrus and I really think that she says it best," she said. "Sometimes you're gonna have to lose. It's not about how fast you get there, it's not about what's waiting on the other side. It's the climb."

The singer concluded, "The climb is Abraham's Promised Land. The promise is a part of the climb; the promise is the climb with God."

Emmy Russell made Katy Perry cry by singing Loretta Lynn's 'Coal Miner’s Daughter'

On Sunday's penultimate episode, Abi Carter, Emmy Russell, Jack Blocker, Triston Harper and Will Moseley took to the stage with two songs each from the Disney, Pixar and Marvel universes to convince America to take them to the Top 3.

Russell's choices were "The Climb" and "Carried Me with You" from "Onward." Though she stuck to her comfort zone by remaining seated at the piano during her Miley Cyrus cover, she showcased her newfound confidence by walking around the stage for her second performance.

During her Top 8 performance, Russell touched judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan with her emotional rendition of Lynn's song, "Coal Miner’s Daughter."

Perry, who'd picked the song, was brought to tears by the cathartic, piano-driven performance.

"I chose this song not because Loretta Lynn is your grandma," Perry said. "I chose this song because you are Emmy Russell, and you can do anything now as Emmy Russell."

'American Idol' finalists Emmy Russell, Triston Harper will release new music

The "Idol" Season 22 finalists got time in the studio and recorded singles that will be released Friday.

Russell's song is titled "Redemption," and Harper, who was also sent home Sunday, will come out with a track called "H.O.P.E."

How to watch the 'American Idol' 2024 finale

The Season 22 finale will broadcast on Sunday, May 16, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on ABC.

Contributing: Edward Segarra

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Emmy Russell speaks out on 'American Idol' elimination before finale