In the second episode of the newest season of American Idol, the world was blessed to be able to hear Emmy Russell sing. She sang “Skinny,” a song she wrote herself. There is nothing unusual about that. Many American Idol hopefuls sing their original songs. There was nothing usual about Emmy Lynn Russell’s audition though. This singer and songwriter has some giant shoes to fill. Those shoes belong to the original Queen of Country Music, the late Loretta Lynn. Russell has nothing to worry about. She now has her own voice.
Emmy Russell’s Audition
Emmy Russell walked onto the set of American Idol very timidly. “This is a dream,” she softly mumbled. She was so soft-spoken, the judges did not hear her name. The young singer had to repeat it. When she was asked about herself, she almost whispered how she was from Nashville and how she had been singing her whole life. Quietly, she said “My grandma was a country singer.”
The three judges were floored when she answered Luke Bryan’s question “Who was your Grandma?” They could hardly believe the granddaughter of Loretta Lynn was about to audition for American Idol. It is not every day they are able to hear someone audition who has such a strong tie to such a great country music legend and megastar.
After telling the judges who her grandmother was, Emmy Russell explained why she was so timid. “I want to own my voice. I want to own it,” the singer and songwriter admitted.
American Idol Judges React To Emmy Russell
Once Lionel Ritchie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan got over their shock, they took the American Idol hopeful under their wings with a bit of advice. “If you have your own style then you have your own lane,” Katy Perry told the 24-year-old singer.
Then, Emmy Russell sat behind the piano and began to sing “Skinny.” The looks on the faces of the judges told the tale. It was impossible to tell if they were more impressed with her singing or her songwriting skills. Not that it matters. All three judges were very impressed by the shy, quiet singer/songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee.
Katy Perry finally broke the silence with “You’re an A plus songwriter. So was your grandma. You got the gift.” She said she came in “like a mouse” and Luke Bryan interrupted with “a baby mouse.” Perry had Russell repeat her name, listening to the reply get louder and stronger. Pointing at the granddaughter of Loretta Lynn, she said “that’s who you are” when the singer’s voice was no longer shaking.
“You have promise,” Lionel Ritchie said. “I like your promise.” He spoke how everyone has things to overcome and how what she had to overcome were “big shoes.” The American Idol judge went on to say how he needed to get her to “put those shoes” back in the closet. He explained how those shoes were not her size.
Luke Bryan admitted the judges needed to “lift her up” and get her “more confident.” Bryan also stated how she just needed to “own it.” Then, he said “I’m a yes.”
American Idol Welcomes Another Singer To Hollywood
Emmy Russell received a “yes” from all three of the American Idol. After such a great audition, any singer, Loretta Lynn’s granddaughter or not, would have gotten their golden ticket to Hollywood. The young singer/songwriter is now making her own way in country music.
Everyone who has gotten a golden ticket will be packing their bags. They will be heading to the next step to becoming the next American Idol winner. Emmy Russell has a bit more baggage, seeing who her grandmother is. Despite that, she will be bringing her own shoes and not those of the legendary Loretta Lynn.
Tell us what you think. Did you see Emmy Rose Russell’s audition? What did you think of her voice? Did you enjoy the song she wrote? Were you as shocked as the judges to learn she is the granddaughter of Loretta Lynn? Tell us what you think in the comment section below.
