Wynonna Judd, renowned country music artist, felt the spirit of her dear friend Loretta Lynn while performing alongside Lynn’s granddaughter, Emmy Russell, on the season 22 finale of American Idol.
Speaking to ET’s Denny Directo from the red carpet of the American Idol finale, Judd, 59, reminisced about her bond with Lynn, recalling how Lynn had once selflessly given her the shirt off her back and embraced her warmly as the first woman to do so in the country music scene.
Although Judd had been present to offer guidance to the finalists of American Idol—Jack Blocker, Abi Carter, and Will Moseley—she found performing “No One Else on Earth” with Russell, 24, to be an incredibly emotional experience. She praised Russell for continuing the musical legacy of her ancestors, describing it as a profound moment of connection.
For Judd, the American Idol performance was an opportunity to give back and share valuable advice with the aspiring artists. She emphasized the importance of financial responsibility in their careers, drawing from her own experiences.
The collaboration with Russell held special significance for Judd, as it symbolized a full-circle moment in her relationship with Lynn’s family. Less than two years prior, Judd had performed at Lynn’s memorial service, offering a heartfelt rendition of “How Great Thou Art” alongside other musicians.
Reflecting on Lynn’s legacy following her passing in October 2022, Judd penned a touching tribute, expressing gratitude for Lynn’s influence on her own musical journey and reminiscing about her earliest encounters with Lynn’s performances.
Emmy Russell had previously stunned American Idol judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie with an original song titled “Skinny,” addressing her struggles with an eating disorder. Revealing her familial connection to Lynn, Russell left the judges in awe, ultimately earning praise for her songwriting talent and unique style.
Though Russell was eliminated from the competition on May 12, she returned for the American Idol finale, where she shared the stage with Judd in a memorable performance. The finale aired live on May 19 on ABC and is available for streaming on Hulu.