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

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

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. ❤

She gave us an Idol moment that will never be forgotten

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

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

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.

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!

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.

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.❤

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

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

She has this aura that I can’t explain. I think she’s meant for this! ❤

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

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!!!

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!

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 ❤

This was such a stand out moment we all been waiting for. When I heard she choose this song I was like no , you’ll get compared to your Grandmother but then she sand it so different and beautiful like an angel. Incredible

I can’t wait to hear her sing that at the Grand Ole Opry. Generations of Americans saying a prayer and hearing an angel sing a song they grew on. I haven’t cried that hard since Mama went to the kingdom.

I cried hearing this. Your grandma would be so proud ! Never could have imagined this song to be sang any different and you absolutely blew it away.

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

Can’t stop watching it, Emmy. I love how you paused at the end, leaving the space of “daughter” open. I could tell you were saying granddaughter in your heart. So beautiful. Keep coming out of your cocoon, beautiful butterfly. All of us coal miner granddaughters are praying for you! You already won. ❤

I'm crying. This performance and the version of the song are so beautiful and emotional. Emmy Russell gave her best performance so far. The atmosphere she created, the intimate and sweet version with the piano, very deeply sung. One of the best moments of the year💚

Simply WOW! She really flipped that song on its head and made it something completely new, and dare I say it, even more heartfelt and emotional than the original. I don't say that lightly as I literally grew up on Loretta Lynn. I watched "Coal Miners Daughter" in the theaters during its original release. All we had was one AM country music radio station to listen to. I get the background completely. We had Loretta Lynn albums and 8-track tapes with her and Conway. I loved her Crisco commericals (you remember those?) and watched her on Hee Haw and the awards shows. So yes, I get the history and that's why I don't say that lightly. I wish her grandmother could have heard that. I could see her in the audience brushing away the proud tears as if she were sitting beside Patsy. Great job!

Easily her best performance of the entire show!! Incredibly beautiful!!

Absolutely Beautiful and Loretta would be very pleased and proud of Emmy. Emmy has such a unique style without over singing or yelling and hollering....I love her!

It felt like I wasn't even breathing towards the end. That's how engaging Emmy's performance was. It was hard to hold back tears. This was so touching and beautiful

Loretta would be so damned proud of Emmy right now. Emmy has performed such a beautiful rendition of her Meemaw’s song, brought into the modern with her own flair, and has completely made it her own. ❤

It's a beautiful version of this classic song. Emmy, your grandmother would be proud.

What a beautiful song! I wasn’t following American Idol until I accidentally clicked through the channels and heard this song that brought me to tears. Why am I not listening to this on the RADIO NOW!!! BEAUTIFUL You got my VOTE!!! ❤❤❤

One of my most favorite songs of all-time written by the amazing, one and only, Loretta Lynn, and here you, Emmy, made it your own, so amazingly, so gracefully, and so beautifully. Go Emmy! ❤ 💯

I rarely ever cry to any performances on Idol, but this one did it for me. That was such a heartfelt and genuine performance. What great way to honor her grandma. Best performance to date!

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

That's just went straight to the soul. Absolutely beautiful

Emmy can win this event. Her voice has pierced my heart. I've never voted before but I will vote for Emmy

All the judges were crying! As was I. Great job! 🫶👏

This was absolutely perfect. She has her own way of doing it and still sounds like her grandmother in a way. I loved it and and think she can be top 3. Emmy the beautiful and talented Loretta Lynn was looking down and watching you with pride as you sang her song.

Emmy’s voice made me pause and listen this song tears. Baby girl keep going may God always bless you. Your voice is important and honoring your Memaw

Breathtaking!!!! Her MeMaw was the greatest and her Mama and Aunts are very good but this precious young lady is AMAZING!!!!

Absolutely beautiful! Memaw is smiling down on her!

Beautiful voice her grandmother is rejoicing in heaven

The faces of the other contestants said it all. Really beautiful. We support you Emmy.❤

Emmy you deserved to continue on American Idol. I voted for you and believe you are the most talented contestant they had. Unfortunately the American public fell for one contestant who should have been eliminated instead of you. Keep on singing. You have a God given talent not only in singing but your song writing.

Cried as I listen to her sing her memaws song. Made it her own. Love Emmy Russell.🩷

WOW now I’m crying. So beautiful, her mama looks just like her Grandma.

I hope you win Emmy you are such a beautiful, sweet, soul. You have grown so much, and are so very talented sweet Beauty. I melt when I hear your beautiful angelic voice

She definitely will make her grandma and family proud of this performance -- I am so captivated by this song

This made me 😭 This was hard for Emmy in so many ways and I'm so proud of her for making it her own but yet honoring her sweet MeMaw....Mrs Loretta Lynn!! This was my favorite version of this song I've EVER heard & it will be on repeat!! Emmy...I can just see MeMaw & Pasty Cline holding hands, watching down with the biggest smile on there faces!! That was your moment sweet girl❤

Emmy Russel's raw powerful talent will carry her through even without American Idol. That was a powerfully touching rendition of her grandma's song . She touched people and honored her grandma's memory. We will hear more from her . Phenomenal

Yup. I cried. And I didn’t even vote for her last time. Y’all were right, voted for her this time.

What a beautiful way to honor her grandmother. She must be looking down so proud.

THIS. WAS. EVERYTHING. A moment in time i will not forget 🙏❤

The Contest is between her and Jack. She has best story telling voice.

This is the real star who can sing and telling the story of the song.. Emmy Russle for the win ❤

She's my favorite starting from her BEAUTIFUL THINGS performance. Gonna support her 'til the end. We love you Emmy Russell!🥺🥺🥺

This made my eyes water!🤧 This was amazing Emmy, very stunning! I don’t understand how people could hate on her? She is so wholesome and amazing!!! Amazing Emmy!!! Katy was so right also!!

It isn't just a shadow that you emmy russel 24yrs old that you're walking alongside, but a true gift of tradition & legacy, 2 very beautiful gifts meant to be embraced and not feared. I lost my Grammy nearly 30 yrs ago, she couldn't carry a tune, yet she made up for it with unconditional love for her family. Something i've passed along as well as my love of music from my dad & crocheting from my grammy. As a person who lets stage fright get the best of me, its kind of diffcult to practice my own advice, yet i'm willing to give it. Never be afraid to share ones god given talent with the world & to whomever is willing to listen. You emmy russel did wonderful with your memaw's song, she would be & is proud of you! Your duet with jack was stunning! Wishing you all the best present & future

I can't wait until you record your own album! This song needs to be on it along with your amazing original songs. Please go on tour. I want to see in person and bring my 10 year old daughter.

Wow she did a beautiful rendition of that song.

Just tears of Joy for the Love that radiated from your voice Ms.EMMY. YOUR GRAM SEEN YOU FROM HEAVEN LORETTA LYNN THE COAL MINERS GRANDDAUGHTER. MS EMMY YOU ARE TRULY BLESSED. BEAUTIFUL VOICE!!! GOD BLESS U🙏❤️✝️🇺🇸🌻

It’s like her entire life was building up to this very moment in time… Incredible. 😢❤

Probably one of the best idol performances ever and I’ve seen them all

I mean, come on! Beautiful. Simply beautiful.

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.

So beautiful! What a beautiful way to honor her grandmother. ❤

Emmy Russell!! A MAZE ING! Another ICON in the making and we are all able to be watching it unfold!

I don’t know anything about country and I think her voice has some odd tones but my god.. this sent shivers down my spine. She has a way of impacting the audience. Bravo

When she went into that “whoaaaa” near the end I was melting like butter in a skillet.

Emmy, like you, I've lost loved ones. My mother passed away a year ago. My brother passed six weeks later. Oh, my precious Daddy is dying now. My family listened to your Grandmother sing all those years. I can hear them now in my memories. I can hear Loretta in you, sweet girl. She never left your side. With tears in my eyes, I see, oh I know her spirit will carry you far. You are truly my American Idol. God bless

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

My wife and I have been watching since David Cook brought home the crown. This might just be the best performance we have ever seen.

Omg This brought me to tears 😭 just wonderful

Loved Loretta...wish her granddaughter Emmy many blessings

This was incredible. I love her indie story telling style. She makes you feel it all. THATS IS WHY SHE IS STILL HERE.

Who else is crying here?! WoW

I got chills all over, while crying, so happy she chose me-maws song! BEAUTIFULLY DONE EMMY!! ❤

This was her best performance yet. Really came out of her shell on this one!

I got a tear in my eye u could feel the love and tribute to her memaw in this song

That was so touching! Her grandmother would be very proud! 😭

Emmy has a sweet genuine soft sound to her vocals ! Her grandma is in Heaven with a smile on her face . Just a beautiful v well done performance. ❤

Emmy is the only one this season who always leaves a lasting impression, either her songs stick in my head a lot or I come back to relisten to every one of her Idol performances. And there is that gracious smile at the end of every performance. I can't be the only one as every one of her RU-vid Idol performance videos either leads or is close to the top in views, this one here is already over a half million views and counting. These RU-vid views can be a good indication of her broad appeal and that she's not likely to be voted off any time soon.

I've never felt so emotional from a performance on Idol and I've watched every single season. I was a bawling mess watching this.

That was soooo good! It told the story in a new way and it made it really emotional as you could imagine it all really well.

What a beautiful tribute to her Memaw Loretta Lynn ❤🎉. Her mother in the audience crying was so touching ❤. Best of luck to Emmy Russell 🎉🎉🎉 . She definitely has a great future in the music industry ❤🎉

SHE BRINGS LORETTAS MUSIC ALIVE AGAIN ❤❤❤❤❤❤ I JUST LOVE HER BUT I LOVE HER MUSIC AS WELL SHE'S GOT SOMETHING SPECIAL

I can’t watch this without balling absolutely beautiful you made your grandma proud❤

Chills!! Sooo beautiful!! You could tell singing that song meant everything to her!! Loretta Lynn would have been sooo proud!! 😢❤️

Whoa, I never thought I would hear this song sung this way! Incredible!

this performance was beautiful and a tear jerker. i've loved Loretta as long as I can remember. went to hurricane Mills and toured everything there. was amazing.

I just love her!!

Great!!! Just great!! Its, noon and im stuck in traffic doing deliveries and im balling my eyes out 😭😭😭 absolutely amazing ❤️❤️❤️

Loretta was holding her hand.....just beautiful! Family is everything!

I think I held my breath during the entire performance. I love how Emmy took Loretta's signature song and made it her own. Well done Emmy and thank you ❤

Pay attention to how everyone's jaw was dropped. Truly says it all.

Well done ! Beautiful lady that did justice to her late grandmothers song. Godspeed young lady.

Oh my gosh ao beautiful. I got chills bumps and she had me in tears.❤❤❤

I love her authenticity! Very refreshing to see. She is definitely not your typical contestant. She has something that I can't quite find the words to describe, it's a feeling, intuitive, and real, imaginative, and takes you to that special place in your minds eye. Thank you Emmy

With you all the way, Emmy! ❤️ God bless you all the way

wow I got Goosebumps all the way watching from Perth Western Australia performance of the night for me

So happy she has overcome her fears, I will always remember you for Memaws Guitar. If you win this Idol think please sing it! Fan from when you first came out with grandma! Youve got this Emmy