Emmy Russell Honors Memaw Loretta Lynn, 'Coal Miner's Daughter' - American Idol 2024

Emmy Russell performs on the Idol stage in hopes to make it to the Top 7!

AMERICAN IDOL, the iconic series that revolutionized the television landscape by pioneering the music competition genre, returns on ABC.

American Idol 2024

Helping to determine who America will ultimately vote for to become the next singing sensation are music industry forces and superstar judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. Emmy® Award-winning host and producer Ryan Seacrest continues as host of the beloved series, for the historic 22nd season.

[aarontippery]

Singing a song written by your grandmother that she wrote to honor your great grandfather…and knocking it out of the park

[beckibrown]

I believe it’s pretty rare for an artist to sing an enormously popular song and make me believe they are telling me their own life story. That was absolutely amazing and such a beautiful way to honor her grandma. ❤

[SealingandStriping]

She made me understand the song in a different way with a different emotion. Respect to the hard working blue collar fathers providing for their families.

[evanlytle]

This is one of the best American songs ever written. It's good to see a strong family tradition carry on.

[fljotavik]

She gave us an Idol moment that will never be forgotten

[redsoul]

Did not think it possible but she took her Grandma's story to a whole new level.

[guyluvsbeauty]

She sang her grandmother’s song, in a way that’s deeper than the ocean. So much grace and elegant emotions here.

[PixelProductions]

Well, I believe we just watched not just Idol history, but country music history be made. The passing down of the guard from the old to the new. It’s beautiful.

Good job Emmy. Keep it up. We love you!

[jhhayes]

She kept the vocal in such a soft storytelling mode, but with a few higher notes to make an emphasis. Her grandmother is looking down proud, along with her friend, Patsy Cline.

[thomaspoore]

My papaw was killed in the coal mines, before i was even born. My dad was just 16 years old when he lost him. There was an explosion and my papaw helped save other coal miners lives by pushing them out of the way and he took the blunt of the blast! He was burned over 99 percent of his body, he was tough though. He lived another eight hours in the hospital. I am so proud that i have that kind of blood running through my veins! Great Job Emmy! I know your Grandma is very proud of you! Thank you for singing this song so beautifully and kind. GOD Bless You! I cant wait to meet you papaw in Heaven one day! I hope i make you, my dad and most of all my heavenly father proud!!!

[Ausshops]

I get chills every time I watch it. You can feel Loretta standing by her side singing it with her. Watching the videos of her with Loretta when touring you can she see true star power and talent in her Grand Daughter and wanted to help her flourish.

[AndySaenz]

It’s so cool that she honored her ancestors like this! She made it sound like her own song, but we all know it’s Loretta’s. She did justice to it, and her family must be so proud of her!

[dawnfeltner]

She just did her grandma proud. That was just beautiful.

[santiagoduron]

Honestly if you love country music and know about Loretta Lynn and seeing how Emmy is so family oriented and not flashy and stays to her self.. I honestly love it. Really enjoy her

[tamijoyce]

For me, this was without a doubt, her best performance so far. I hope she will decide to sing her song "unwinding the strings"..I just watched an old YouTube video of her singing it to her grandmother Loretta Lynn....she wrote it for her and it's beautiful

[taylorlynn]

Best performance of the season. She needs to release this as a cover.

[WaryDoughnut]

I’m 22 and grew up listening to older country. My grandma loved Loretta Lynn and patsy cline. I’m literally crying right now.

[livey]

I can’t wait to hear her sing that at the Grand Ole Opry. Generations of Americans saying a prayer and hearing an angel sing a song they grew on. I haven’t cried that hard since Mama went to the kingdom.

[mikeh.]

Ironically I believe that this is the song that propelled her out of Loretta's shadow. She is a star in her own right. Loretta's would be so proud to see her now.

[mack.s]

For those of us that grew up country & w/ Ms Loretta's music I have to say I was skeptical. This song runs deep for a lot of ppl. Those that lived this life & listened to the radio shows in the evening when the chores were done. Well, this performance changed my mind. Emmy made it "of the times" & I appauld her. Well done babygirl. Your Meemaw would've been so proud.❤