Entertainment Music Country Music Loretta Lynn's Granddaughter Emmy Russell Tears Up as She Wows American Idol Judges with Emotional Audition "She's one of the biggest country music singers of all time, but to me she's just Grandma," said Russell of her legendary grandmother By Jack Irvin Jack Irvin Jack Irvin has over five years of experience working in digital journalism, and he’s worked at PEOPLE since 2022. Jack started in the industry with internships at Rolling Stone and Entertainment Tonight, and he worked as a freelance writer for publications including Bustle, MTV News, Shondaland, L’Officiel USA, Ladygunn, Flood and PopCrush before joining PEOPLE. In his current role, Jack covers daily music news and has interviewed both up-and-coming and established artists including Dolly Parton, Michelle Branch, Ashanti, Cyndi Lauper, Normani, Carly Rae Jepsen and Coco Jones. People Editorial Guidelines Published on February 26, 2024 12:00PM EST Close Emmy Russell wants to honor her legendary grandmother's legacy while carving her own path. The 25-year-old Nashville-based singer and granddaughter of the late Loretta Lynn auditioned for American Idol on Sunday's episode of the ABC competition series and wowed the judges with an emotional performance of her original song "Skinny." Russell appeared shy upon introducing herself to judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, but she began to open up as she spoke about her iconic relative. 11 American Idol Contestants with Famous Relatives Emmy Russell on American Idol. Eric McCandless/Disney "She's one of the biggest country music singers of all time, but to me she's just Grandma," she said in an interview clip. "I think I am a little timid, and I think it is because I want to own my voice," added Russell. "That's why I want to challenge myself and come out here." The hopeful performer then delivered a piano rendition of "Skinny," which features lyrics about body image and eating disorders — and the judges were impressed by her vulnerability and talent. American Idol Winners: Who Won Each Season and Where Are They Now? Loretta Lynn. Rick Diamond/Getty "You're an A+ songwriter. So was your grandma. You got the gift," said Perry following Russell's performance. "I don't think you need to compare yourself to what Grandma was. You're totally different. You shouldn't give yourself all that pressure." All three judges gave Russell their approval, leading her to cry as she realized she's going through to the show's next round in Hollywood, California. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Emmy Russell appears in front of Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan. Eric McCandless/Disney While she's certainly still at the beginning of her career, Russell has released music and performed at high-profile events in the past. Last year, she teamed up with Willie Nelson's son, Lukas, for a duet at a memorial concert for Lynn (who died at age 90 in 2022) broadcast on CMT, earning Russell a CMT Music Award nomination. "I'm not trying to please anyone other than myself," she recently told The Tennessean. "But if people find themselves and their journey in my songs, that will allow me to make this my work for the rest of my life." If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please go to NationalEatingDisorders.org.