Emmy Russell Honors Grandmother Loretta Lynn with Powerful Performance of ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’ on ‘American Idol’

Emmy Russell paid tribute to her late grandmother Loretta Lynn with a prideful performance of the country classic, “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” which brought tears to the eyes of her fellow contestants, family members, and the judging panel. 

Russell first introduced herself to the American Idol viewers when she performed an incredibly moving original song titled, “Skinny” during her audition. At the time, she also revealed that she has deep musical roots as she is the granddaughter of the late country music icon. Throughout the entirety of Season 22, fans have patiently waited for the 25-year-old artist from Nashville, TN to perform a song from her Memaw’s extensive catalog and that moment finally came on Monday, April 29. 

Crediting Katy Perry For Her Encouragement

It’s no secret that Russell’s time in the singing competition has allowed her to gain confidence on stage. As she revealed in a backstage interview in Monday night’s episode, she credits Idol judge Katy Perry for giving her the courage to break out of her shell and find her voice. 

“She’s just really been encouraging,” Russell said while recounting a memory from her audition when Perry empowered her to be true to herself and to do it with her head held high. “I think that that was one of my favorite memories. Oh, I’ll forever remember that.”

This week, there’s no doubt that Russell’s confidence reached an all-time high as she truly sang from the heart. 

Judge Song Contest

On Monday night, the Top 8 contestants were tasked with taking part in the judge’s song contest, which challenges each of the aspiring singers to perform one of three songs selected anonymously by one of the judges.

Russell was given three songs to choose from: “Here You Come Again” by Dolly Parton, “Cole Miner’s Daughter” by Loretta Lynn and “Suddenly I See” by KT Tunstall. In the end, she decided to take the opportunity to honor her grandmother with a rendition of the 1970 No. 1 hit.

“I love singing from the heart, and I think this is a perfect song for that,” Russell said in an interview. 

Flooded With The Memories Of Her Grandmother

As she sat in front of a set of American Idol vocal coaches, the female songstress explained that she feels “immense sadness” when she saw the song title, as it reminds her of the memories and the person who passed away in October of 2022. 

“I mean, it’s my grandma’s song. Can’t get much closer to the heart than your own blood,” she added. 

Instead of singing “Coal Miner’s Daughter” just as her grandmother did, Russell opted to make it her own and deliver it as an ode, “almost like a way of hugging her,” she shared. 

“I’m literally just a granddaughter singing this song to her grandma,” Russell said in a behind-the-scenes clip. “This song that I’m going to do, I’m proud of who I am. I am Emmy Russell. I’m 25 years old and I’m proud to be a coal miner’s great-granddaughter.”

Russell Sent Chills Throughout The Audience

Russell took all the emotions she was feeling and brought it with her to the Idol stage. Sitting behind the grand piano in her silver ensemble, she poured her heart out in a round of tender vocals that had the audience completely captivated. The chill-enduing performance continued with a fairytale-like backdrop, which only further elevated the power that was coming from her unique rendition. 

The judges’ panel, consisting of Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, was clearly blown away by the moment they were witnessing on stage as they offered a standing ovation along with the rest of the audience.

Russell guessed that Perry was the one who chose this song for her, and she turned out to be correct. 

Perry Reveals Why She Chose This Song

“I chose this song, not because Loretta Lynn is your grandma. I chose this song because you are Emmy Russell and you can do anything now as Emmy Russell,” Perry said with tears welling up in her eyes. 

Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie both appeared to be so speechless and in awe of that moment that they both shifted the focus back to host Ryan Seacrest on stage. 

At the end of the show, Emmy learned that she had earned enough fan votes to make it into the Top 7. American Idol will return to ABC on Sunday, May 5 when the contestants sing iconic hits from bestselling artist, Adele, and the Top 5 is announced. Plus, Meghan Trainor will also return to perform her new single, “Been Like This.”