Emmy Russell has captured the hearts of viewers on American Idol with her exceptional talent. Since her audition, she has mesmerized audiences with soul-stirring original songs that highlight her skills as both a performer and songwriter. In her interviews, Emmy has shared her experiences of touring and performing alongside her grandmother, Loretta Lynn. The video below showcases Emmy’s captivating solo rendition of “If I Die Young” by The Band Perry.
“If I Die Young” was penned by Kimberly Perry and released by The Band Perry as the second single from their self-titled debut album in 2010. After a steady climb, the song eventually topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, marking their breakthrough hit in country music and reaching the top 20 on the Hot 100 chart.
The video, captured over a decade ago when Emmy Russell was just 11 years old, may not boast the highest visual quality. Still, the audio is clear enough to underscore Emmy’s undeniable vocal talent. Even at such a young age, Russell could captivate an audience effortlessly. It’s clear that some things, including Emmy’s remarkable talent, remain unchanged over the years.
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Emmy Russell’s Upbringing on the Road with Loretta Lynn
In a recent interview, Emmy Russell opened up about her close relationship with her grandmother, Loretta Lynn, and the unique upbringing she experienced on the road. Russell explained how she practically grew up touring with her grandmother, as her mother was part of the country duo The Lynns, who toured with Loretta Lynn. Eventually, her mother transitioned into becoming Loretta’s manager, which meant that Russell spent much of her early years on tour.
“I grew up going on the road with her,” Russell shared.
“So, my mom was in a country duo called The Lynns. They were on the road with [Loretta Lynn] touring, and my mom became her manager. So, I was on the road as a baby. I was actually born on my grandpa and my grandma’s anniversary.”
Emmy also revealed that she was already performing in front of Loretta Lynn’s audiences by the tender age of two, highlighting the close bond they shared.
Loretta Lynn was known for her glamorous stage presence, often adorned in extravagant ball gowns. Russell reminisced about spending countless hours playing dress-up with her grandmother’s collection of stunning dresses. “Meemaw, she doesn’t care. She’s like, ‘Oh honey, go ahead. You can wear that any time,’” Russell fondly recalled.
Despite having a different musical style and fashion sense from her grandmother, Emmy Russell undeniably inherited a bit of Loretta’s talent and a great deal of her confidence. As she continues her journey on American Idol, time will reveal if this legacy translates into a well-deserved victory for Emmy.
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