We may be only two weeks into the 2024 season of American Idol, but the talent coming through is already dazzling viewers.
During the February 25 episode of the ABC series, folks met Emmy Russell, a 24-year-old country singer/songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee. As she spoke with judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie ahead of her audition, she dropped a major bombshell about her family lineage. She revealed her grandmother was none other than country music legend Loretta Lynn, which left the trio blown away by her musical legacy.
"Growing up, I sang on the road. My grandma's a country singer," Emmy explained about her background.
"Who is your grandma?" Luke asked her.
"Loretta Lynn," she replied as the group sat in disbelief.
While she expressed some nerves before performing an original song called "Skinny" for the judges, it was clear she had the chops to make it to the Hollywood round. And as both Katy and Lionel relayed to her, she should feel confident in finding her own unique singing style.
"Emmy, you're an A+ songwriter. So was your grandma. You got the gift. I don't think you need to compare yourself to what Grandma was. You're totally different. You shouldn't give yourself all that pressure," Katy said.
"My dear, you have promise. And I like your promise," Lionel added. "Each one of us is trying to battle something that we're 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, that's not your size ... Emmy, it's a yes! I believe in you."
What's more, fans on social media were just as enamored with Emmy's performance. "Emmy Russell was phenomenal!!!" one person wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter). "Emmy Russell you can do it I wish you the absolute best," another commented. "Wow, That was an incredible performance by Emmy Russell. Her original song is amazing during the audition," a different viewer declared.
As for how Emmy feels about going to the next stage of competition, she shared an emotional Instagram post relaying the experience.
"Oh my gosh … Will you Join me on this adventure?!" she wrote on February 25. "Very thankful at the moment. 💛💛 Excited to do this with y’all. Here we goooooooo!!!"
Congrats, Emmy and we can't wait to tune in and see what's next!
As the entertainment and news associate editor for Good Housekeeping, Adrianna (she/her) writes about everything TV, movies, music and pop culture. She graduated from Yeshiva University with a B.A. in journalism and a minor in business management. She covers shows like The Rookie, 9-1-1 and Grey's Anatomy, though when she’s not watching the latest show on Netflix, she’s taking martial arts or drinking way too much coffee.
