Following in the footsteps of her music legend grandmother Loretta Lynn, Emmy auditioned for season 22 with her own original song “Skinny” about her experience with eating disorders. The performance secured her a golden ticket from Lionel, Katy and Luke, who were all shocked to learn her grandmother’s true identity.
And her mother Patsy Lynn Russell–a member of the country duo The Lynns with twin sister Peggy Lynn–joined her backstage.
“She just wanted to do this honestly,” Patsy said of her daughter’s decision to audition for American Idol. “I think that when you come from a musical family, the shadow is so big. ‘How do I fill those shoes?’ Well the deal is, you don’t. You make your own shadow.”
Katy loved the performance, praising her: “You’re an A+ songwriter. So was your grandma. You got the gift.” Emmy secured a spot in the Top 5 as a season 22 finalist, but ultimately did not win the season.
