Wynonna Explains Why Singing with Emmy Russell on ‘American Idol’ Was Extra Special
The American Idol Season 22 finale had some amazing moments, and one of the best was when country legend Wynonna Judd teamed up with fan-favorite Emmy Russell, who is Loretta Lynn’s granddaughter.
Even though Emmy got eliminated the week before the finale, her return to the stage was perfect. They sang “Coal Miner’s Daughter” and Wynonna’s hit “No One Else On Earth,” and it was really touching.
Earlier in the season, Emmy had delivered a soul-stirring rendition of “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” a performance that deeply impacted her and led to a vulnerable social media post where she shared her emotional experience and the profound healing it brought.
“I just was closing my eyes and I was listening back to ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’ whenever I did it on ‘American Idol.’ I just saw a vision of just me being up in Heaven and I just felt like I saw God just bringing my grandma and me just really giving her a deep hug of like, ‘I miss you and I love you.’ And I feel like you get it now. Just another side just brought all that healing to my heart.”
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Following the finale, Wynonna took to social media to express the significance of the performance, highlighting the full circle moment it represented for her and the pride she felt for Emmy, as well as the special bond between Wynonna and Loretta Lynn.
“Last night’s [American Idol] performance was such a full circle moment for me. Loretta Lynn was the first woman to hug me in country music. To sing Loretta’s life story with her granddaughter [Emmy Russell], and send her off as an artist in her own right, was so life giving. Emmy, I know your Memaw is so proud. I am too!!!!”
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The collaboration between Wynonna and Emmy served as a heartfelt tribute to Loretta Lynn and a beautiful conclusion to Emmy’s American Idol journey. During their performance, the duo’s touching connection was further emphasized as they even held hands, adding an extra layer of heartfelt emotion to the stage.
To watch their special performance, see the video below!
