KATY Perry broke down in tears after watching a contestant sing her heart out on American Idol.
In Monday night’s episode, the contestants were able to choose one of three songs chosen by the judges: Katy, 39, Lionel Richie, 74, and Luke Bryan, 47, to sing in front of the audience and the America.
The final performer of the evening was Emmy Russell, 25, granddaughter of the late singer Loretta Lynn, who sang her family member’s song, Coal Miner’s Daughter.
Emmy revealed in a confessional: “I love singing from my heart. I think this is a perfect song for that.
“I mean, it’s my grandmother’s song, you can’t get any closer to the heart than your own blood.
“I know Coal Miner’s Daughter like the back of my hand. I think I want to do it [as it’s] almost like a way of hugging her.
“I must be proud to be Loretta Lynn’s granddaughter.”
The Tennessee native wowed the judges and audience with her powerful performance.
Emmy chose Katy as the judge who chose this song, and she guessed correctly.
In a voice trembling from crying, the pop singer said: “I chose this song not because Loretta Lynn is your grandmother.
“I chose this song because you’re Emmy Russell and you can do anything now as Emmy Russell.”
Emmy’s parents were also present.
Loretta died in her sleep on October 4, 2022 in Nashville. She was 90 years old.
“HER PERFORMANCE WAS MAGICAL”
On X, formerly Twitter, American Idol fans shared their honest opinions about Emmy’s song choice.
One said: “It was such an incredible and beautiful performance by Emmy Russell in honor of her grandmother. It brought tears to my eyes. Such an incredible tribute. I I loved it!”
“Emmy’s performance was MAGICAL. It was so touching, so meaningful, what a wonderful song. It made me cry. Oh, how times have changed since our great and great grandfathers,” said one other.
A third tweeted: “Dear America, if Emmy Russell doesn’t win #AmericanIdol this season, I’ll be really sad. But no matter what, she IS Emmy Russell, and she is AMAZING.
“I was sobbing; Loretta would have been so proud of that performance.”
“She sang her grandmother’s song and did her justice,” said a fourth.
A fifth said: “Tonight was by far his best performance.”
Someone else wrote: “Emmy Russell did this! my god I can tell she felt this song and I’m happy for her! just beautiful.”
“She looked amazing tonight. And one of the best performances of the night this week too,” said a seventh.
