“This Is a Hit Record!” Loretta Lynn’s Granddaughter Stuns “American Idol” Judges

Emmy Russell, a third-generation country performer, is currently making waves on “American Idol.”

After making it into this season’s top 20, her performance of her original song, “Want You,” on Sunday evening wowed judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie. The performance not only received positive feedback from the judges but also gained traction on social media overnight.

“I want you to want me, like I want you / I want you to need me, like I need you / If you’re gonna leave me, then cut me loose,” she sang.

“American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest was visibly moved after hearing the emotional tune.

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When Seacrest seemed overwhelmed, Luke Bryan, one of the judges, hugged him. In a lighthearted moment, Bryan ran onstage and pulled Seacrest into a bear hug. He joked that Seacrest was the most expensive thing he had ever touched.

Emmy Russell is the granddaughter of the late Country Music Hall of Famer Loretta Lynn and the great-niece of 22-time global country chart-topper Crystal Gayle. 

She spent the first decade of her Nashville career navigating the industry. Throughout this period, she released singles regularly. She reached a milestone in 2023 when she made her Grand Ole Opry debut.

In her appearance on the Opry stage, she joined Lukas Nelson for her grandmother’s CMT-broadcast memorial. This earned her a nomination for Performance of the Year at the 2023 CMT Music Awards.

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Russell sees her participation on “American Idol” to be personally significant. She is 25 years old and ready to build her own distinctive route in the mainstream country music industry.

“I’m not trying to please anyone other than myself, but if people find themselves and their journeys in my songs, that will allow me to make this my work for the rest of my life.”

“That was so you,” Bryan told Russell. “I loved it because it was so real, and I think you could really feel the emotion in that. That is what your artistry is about and don’t lose that. But listen, that thing that you did with that song really is your signature. It was very emotional and probably my favorite performance you’ve done.”

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“First of all, before we go any further, that is a hit record,” Richie said to Russell after her performance. “I don’t care. We can talk about the future, but that is a hit record, and my dear you are an incredible songwriter. Incredible performance.”

“Miss Emmy, that was one of my favorite original songs you’ve sung,” Perry added.

“I know that you were just a little nervous. I just want more breath, more long notes. Girl, like going swimming, learn how to hold your breath more. We need longer notes from Emmy, and I know that you have them,” she continued. “We need power. C’mon, let’s go. The time is now!”

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