Emmy Russell surprised the judges of American Idol when she told them her grandmother was country superstar Loretta Lynn. Keep reading to find out how her audition went!

Emmy Russell American Idol Audition

On the latest episode of American Idol, 24-year-old contestant Emmy Russell surprised judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie that her grandmother was country superstar Loretta Lynn.

In a video segment showing Emmy giving a tour of her famous grandmother’s house, Russell explained how she would sometimes accompany Loretta Lynn on tour was “very normal to me,”

Emmy Russell Loretta Lynn

For her audition, Emmy performed an original song on the piano about eating disorders called “Skinny.”

Before singing, Russell explained the reason she was so quiet and timid as being she wants  her voice to be her own, “[t]hat’s why I wanna challenge myself and come out here, really step in and be like, ‘okay, come on Emmy.’”

“[S]he just wanted to do it honestly,” explained her mother, Patsy Lynn, member of the country duo The Lynns. “I think that when you’re from a musical family, the shadow is so big. How do I fill those shoes? Well, the deal is you don’t. You make your own shadow,”

American Idol 2024 Katy Perry Luke Bryan Lionel Richie Reactions

After singing her original song “Skinny” for her audition, Emmy received yesses from all three judges and a pep talk from the judges.

“Each one of us is trying to battle something that we’re trying to overcome.” Lionel Richie told her. “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.”

“My name is Emmy and I’m 24 years old and I’m from Nashville Tennessee,” Emmy said through tears after Katy Perry encouraged her to be more confident in herself.

What did you think of Emmy’s audition?

Published by HOLR Magazine.

Image Credit: @emmyroserussell Instagram