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

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

She gave us an Idol moment that will never be forgotten

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

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

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!

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 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.

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

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!!!

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.❤

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.

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.

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

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

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

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💚