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

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

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. ❤

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

She gave us an Idol moment that will never be forgotten

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.

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

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.

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

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.❤

Tears me up Every Time 🌹♥️🥰🎶 I’ve never witnessed anything more Beautiful to me 🙏🏼🌹♥️🎼🎭😇 Thank You Emmy Russell 🙏🏼🌹🌹

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

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!

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!

This has got to join the list as one of the best performances on American Idol ever....lightning struck this night as she made a signature song of a singing legend into a ballad of respect - respect of the hard times told in the lyrics, respect to the actual region of these people, and the reality of the question "will we today live up to the perseverance, sacrifice and love of family depicted in this song?". Oh yea, and its about her very own family.....wow.

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

Probably the best performance of the show. Hopefully someone records her cover. It would take off.

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

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!!!

She’s pure and professional. It is time that American Idol will be represented by artist and not a singer. She already captures The Philippines hearts. Come here please ❤

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