Emmy Russell brings 'American Idol' judges to tears singing country music legend grandmother's song

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• Updated: Apr. 29, 2024, 10:21 p.m.|
• Published: Apr. 29, 2024, 10:11 p.m.

Emmy Russell, the granddaughter of country music legend Loretta Lynn, competes on "American Idol" on Monday, April 8, 2024, on ABC.Disney

It was inevitable that Emmy Russell would eventually sing a Loretta Lynn song on "American Idol."

That moment came Monday night as the granddaughter of the country music legend sang "Coal Miner's Daughter." Her performance left onlookers in tears and brought the crowd to its feet.

When she was through, Russell guessed that it was judge Katy Perry who made that song an option — the judge's each pitched a song for each contestant to choose from — and she was right.

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

It was a moment for Russell, too, who has often freely expressed her emotions.

In the lead up to the song, she also shed a few tears, but she was determined heading out to perform.

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"I'm Emmy Russell," she said. "I'm 24-years-old, and I'm proud to be a coal miner's great granddaughter."

It was a performance that also helped Russell survive another round of cutdowns and advance on to the top seven in the contest.

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