Loretta Lynn’s Granddaughter To Compete On “American Idol”
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images and American Idol
Emmy Russell, the 25-year-old granddaughter of Loretta Lynn, will be competing on this season of American Idol!
When country music legend Loretta Lynn died in 2022, there was no doubt that her legacy would live on through the artists she influenced during her career. Her tight-knit and talented family also vowed to make sure her contributions to the genre wouldn’t be forgotten.
Lynn, affectionately known as The Coal Miner’s Daughter, was a mom of six, several of whom followed in their mother’s musical footsteps. The talent has now trickled down to a new generation of Loretta’s offspring as her granddaughter, Emmy Russell, seeks to make a name for herself.
Rumors started circulating last week that Emmy Russell would be competing on the 22nd season of American Idol that premiered Sunday night (Feb. 18).
The show confirmed the news with a teaser at the end of the premiere episode. Emmy’s family also confirmed that she would be auditioning
Emmy, the daughter of one of Loretta Lynn’s twin daughters Patsy, is no stranger to the spotlight. She joined Willie Nelson’s son Lukas for a performance of “Lay Me Down” at Loretta’s celebration of life television special. Following that tribute performance, Emmy shared a heartfelt message to her late grandma, saying:
“To @lorettalynnofficial thank you for the life you have given me, and the family, you left a legacy~ a light that made a mark. You’re hard to forget. ‘I’m so proud of you honey, you write like a 40 year old woman.’ I still hear you. You encouraged me and the calling God had over my life. Even though you were tough on me the last few years it gives me confidence that connecting and using my gifts and loving people well is what I’m here for. I’m not just a singer. I am a light. Thank you for showing that and demonstrating your light to the world.”
Emmy Rose also made her Grand Ole Opry debut in April 2023 where she sang a song called “Memaw’s Guitar.”
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Emmy also shared the stage with her famous grandma numerous times over the years. In a video dated 10 years ago, Loretta invited young Emmy onto the stage to sing some of her original songs. The proud grandmother told the crowd that Emmy had been writing songs “like a 20-year-old woman” since he was 9 or 10. She also declared, “You ain’t seen the last of her.”
And Loretta was right. Emmy Rose Russell is well on her way to becoming a star in her own right. Tune into American Idol on Sunday, February 25, to watch Emmy’s audition and to find out if she gets a coveted golden ticket to Hollywood.
Watch Emmy Rose at 11 years old singing “If I Die Young” on stage with her grandma in the video below.
