Despite initial shyness, Emmy’s mention of her iconic grandmother caught the judges’ attention. With a voice that echoes her grandmother’s talent and a skillful touch on the piano, Emmy delivered a moving performance that has since gone viral, amassing over 2.3 million views on YouTube.

In a brave move, Emmy sang about personal struggles like eating disorders, showcasing her prowess as both a singer and songwriter. The judges praised her unique talent, with Katy Perry noting, “Emmy, you’re an A+ songwriter — just like your grandma.”

Despite the pressure of her family’s legacy, Emmy received encouragement from Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, who saw her potential to shine on the Hollywood stage.

Watch Emmy’s unforgettable audition in the comments below and witness the beginning of a promising musical journey! 👇 #AmericanIdol #EmmyRussell #LorettaLynn #OriginalSong