American Idolseason 22 finalist Emmy Russell was a fan favorite who made it to the Top 5 of the reality singing competition in 2024, andshe’s been busy with her music career after the show. Emmy, who’s the late country music legend Loretta Lynn’s granddaughter, impressed theAmerican Idolseason 22 judges–Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan–with her original song, “skinny,” at her audition. During the competition, she sang two more original songs, including “Like That” and “Want You.”
ThroughoutAmerican Idolseason 22,Emmy also infused her own country style into songssuch as “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt, “Lose You to Love Me” by Selena Gomez, “All the Small Things” by blink-182, “SHUT UP + DANCE” by Walk the Moon, “Water Under the Bridge” by Adele, “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus, and “Carried Me With You” fromOnward.One of her most special performances was when she sang her grandmother’s song, “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” Since her incredible run on the show, Emmy has been busy furthering her music career.
Emmy’s Song Has Reached The One Million Streams Milestone On Spotify
In an Instagram post,Song Houseannounced thatEmmy’s song, “skinny,” which she’d released in 2023 before she sang it onAmerican Idol, had reached one million streams on Spotify. The post read,“skinny just hit 1 million on @spotify and we couldn’t be more grateful. If you or someone you love is struggling, you are not alone. National hotline is 800-931-2237 #eatingdisorderrecovery #mentalhealth #originalmusic.”
Emmy Russell Released A Single During American Idol
Emmy Wrote Her Original Song “Redemption”
On August 17, 2025, afterEmmy’sAmerican Idolelimination,she released her single, “Redemption.“According toRolling Stone, Emmy wrote the song about her experience after a"painful breakup.“In a statement about the song, Emmy said,“There was a time when I placed all my value in someone else’s hands. But, eventually, I had to realize I was constantly being tossed between ‘I love you’ and ‘I don’t love you.’ This song represents my decision to no longer be the person you come back to when it’s convenient. My telling him ‘it’s over.'”
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Emmy went on to say,“I found my redemption in being alone and admitting to myself, ‘I don’t deserve this,’ which led me to a door I’d been craving to open… I finally realized my worth by looking to God, letting the truth that ‘I am loved’ sink in. Now I know, no guy, nor anyone else, can take that away from me. I am loved and, now, that’s my redemption.”
Emmy Russell Has Been Performing Live
Emmy Sang At The Grand Ole Opry
Emmy sang at the Grand Old Opry on August 08, 2025, and on July 29, 2025. In an Instagram post about the September 28 date,Emmyposted a picture of herself on the stage and wrote,“I had a ball tonight. @opry thank you for having meee always an honor.“On August 04, 2025,Emmy performed during the 19 Takeover event at CMA Fest, along with her fellowAmerican Idolseason 22 finalists runner-up Will Moseley, Jack Blocker, Triston Harper, and Mia Matthews,American Idolseason 21 winner Iam Tongi and finalists Colin Stough and Haven Madison,American Idolseason 20 runner-up HunterGirl, andAmerican Idolseason 18 finalist Grace Leer.
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Emmy also was the headliner at the August 31 date of The Highway Labor Day Fest (Alley Fest) in downtown Paintsville, Kentucky. In an Instagram post,Emmyannounced that she’d be playing the show, which would be her first with a full band. She also shared how much it meant to her because her grandmother, Loretta Lynn, was from that part of Kentucky.
Emmy wrote,“Guys I can’t wait, I’m playing my first full on band show in Paintsville Kentucky at the @alleyfest …. So much history.My grandma is from this part of Kentucky. So much emotion, history, weight behind this place. Can’t wait to be a part of the alley fest.”
Emmy Appeared On A Podcast With Her Mother
Emmy Talked & Performed On Got It From My Momma
On July 16, 2025,Emmy and her mother, Patsy Lynn Russell, who’s Loretta’s daughter, appeared on theGot It From My Mommapodcast. In an Instagram post fromGot It From My Momma, fans were invited to"join us for this special mother/daughter conversation, a music performance, and light appetizers and drinks,“at the free event.
It’s no surprise thatAmerican Idolseason 22 finalistEmmy Russell has already had so much success after the show. She’s an authentic country artist, with a distinct and beautiful voice. Because of this,Emmy has the potential to be one of the most successfulAmerican Idolcontestants of all time.
American Idol
Cast
American Idol is a reality singing competition that adds to the international “Idol” brand, conceived initially in the U.K. as Pop Idol. Holding massive auditions across the U.S., American Idol invited several contestants to perform in front of a panel of judges that would determine whether or not they’d go on to future rounds for a chance at competing in the fully televised premiere of the show. Contestants are voted off each week by American participation via voting through various mediums, and the winner of the competition would be given a contract with a record label to secure a future as America’s next musical idol.
