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Loretta Lynn's Granddaughter Just Auditioned For 'American Idol'—And She Crushed It
Loretta Lynn's granddaughter has left scores of people choked up after an emotional audition for American Idol.
Singer Emmy Russell appeared on the show over the weekend and left judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Ritchie astonished with a heartfelt performance of her grandmother's song "Skinny."
The tune deals with issues surrounding eating disorders and body image, and the 24-year-old gave a haunting rendition of her legendary grandma's composition.
But almost more arresting was Russell's humility—you'd never know she was the relative of such an outsized music legend.
Emmy Russell: Loretta Lynn's Granddaughter Sings Tearful Original Song 'Skinny' - American Idol 2024youtu.be
The Nashville-based singer told the judges:
“I think I am a little timid, and I think it is because I want to own my voice. That’s why I want to challenge myself and come out here.”
In an interview for the show, she also discussed Lynn's legacy.
"She’s one of the biggest country music singers of all time, but to me, she’s just my grandma.”
Lynn, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 90, broke boundaries in the country music industry in a way similar to Dolly Parton—as a woman with a unique talent who conquered abject poverty to rise to the top of the country music heap, inspiring generations of singers and songwriters along the way.
Russell, who did of course make it through the American Idol ringer and will be going to Hollywood, is set to carry on her legacy.
Fans of American Idol and Loretta Lynn both were excited to see Emmy join the show.
@LorettaLynn @AmericanIdol had tears watching her sing her song and perform-one day soon, girls will be watching her on stage like they do that girl Taylor Swift-her words from her heart on that song...wow...she doesn't realize how talented she is! There really is, something special! Good Luck Emmy! \ud83c\udf39\ud83c\udfb6— (@)
American Idol isn't Russell's first rodeo. In 2022, she joined with Willie Nelson's son Lukas for a tribute to her legendary grandmother, and she seems honored to be carrying on her legacy once again.