Watch Loretta Lynn's granddaughter Emmy Russell's American Idol audition and see why she's 'going to Hollywood'
Clad in jeans, a green sweatshirt and her Nike tennis shoes, a timid Emmy Russell explained to the "American Idol" judges why she wanted to audition for the hit reality show.
"Growing up, I sang music my entire life, I enjoy writing, I'm 24 years old, songwriter, I just love music," she told the judges after they had to ask her to speak a little louder. "I think there's a reason why I am a little timid and it's because I want to own my voice. I want to challenge myself and come out here and really step in."
That comment came just as the judges — and the world — learned that Russell is the granddaughter of the late Loretta Lynn.
She then proceeded to sing and play an original song she wrote called "Skinny" about eating disorders."
But Russell is no stranger to performing.
As the granddaughter of the late Country Music Hall of Famer Loretta Lynn (and niece of 22-time global country chart-topper Crystal Gayle), the first decade of Russell's Nashville career has intermittently included the release of singles and in 2023, a debut at the Grand Ole Opry.
Another appearance on the Opry's stage — along with Willie Nelson's son, Lukas, at her grandmother's CMT-broadcast memorial — earned her a Performance of the Year nomination at the 2023 CMT Music Awards.
Watch Loretta Lynn's granddaughter Emmy Russell's American Idol audition
Stepping outside the shadow of Loretta Lynn
After taking her seat behind a white baby grand piano and singing for the judges, Katy Perry called her an "A-plus songwriter."
"I don't think you need to compare yourself to what grandma was," Perry told Russell. "You're totally different, so you shouldn't give yourself all that pressure."
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Fellow judge Lionel Richie chimed in with some sage advice, saying "My dear, you have promise. And I like your promise. Each one of us is trying to battle something that we are 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, because they aren't your size."
After three yesses from the judges and some grateful tears from Russell, the team proclaimed "You are going to Hollywood."
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The current season of "American Idol" is only two episodes in, with several more weeks of auditions before Hollywood week at the end of March, when viewers will once again see their favorites, including Russell, who were given golden tickets.
"American Idol" airs Sundays at 7 p.m. Central on ABC and streams on Hulu.
Tennessean writer Marcus Dowling contributed to this story.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: See Loretta Lynn's granddaughter Emmy Russell's American Idol audition
