Emmy Russell

Russell auditioned for season 22 of American Idol in Nashville with her original song "skinny," which earned approval from all three judges. During the Hollywood Round, she performed another original song, "Like That," and later sang Ingrid Andress’s "More Hearts Than Mine" to advance to the Top 24. Jelly Roll mentored her during the Hawaii round, where she performed Benson Boone’s "Beautiful Things."

Her later performances included "Want You," "I Can't Make You Love Me," "Lose You to Love Me," and "All the Small Things." At the Top 8 stage, Katy Perry chose Loretta Lynn’s "Coal Miner’s Daughter" for Russell, who also performed Lionel Richie’s "Hello" in a duet with Jack Blocker. Russell reached the top five before she and Triston Harper received the lowest number of votes and were eliminated.

Russell was born in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee, and grew up singing, traveling on tour buses, and performing with her grandmother Loretta Lynn and her mother, Patsy Lynn. Patsy Lynn and her twin sister Peggy Lynn formed the country duo The Lynns. Russell has described Loretta Lynn, whom she called "Memaw," as a major influence while also emphasizing that she wanted to establish her own sound.

Her original song "skinny" drew attention for its intensely personal subject matter. The song addresses Russell’s past struggles with an eating disorder and a deep lack of confidence that had kept her away from the stage. She has also performed "Coal Miner’s Daughter" with Lukas Nelson at the Grand Ole Opry, connecting her own career with one of Loretta Lynn’s best-known songs.

After American Idol, Russell continued pursuing music while balancing motherhood and songwriting. Her original song "skinny" surpassed one million Spotify streams, and she released the single "Redemption" in early 2024.

Russell opened for Megan Moroney on two Knoxville, Tennessee, dates of Moroney’s Am I Okay? Tour. She also recorded "London Bridges," an emotional tribute to her daughter with her husband, singer-songwriter Tyler Ward.

Russell has been married to Tyler Ward since their private Nashville living-room ceremony. The couple met through Song House, Ward’s Nashville songwriting collective, and wrote their own vows for the ceremony.

They welcomed their daughter, Taylor Raydiant Ward, in early 2025. Russell and Ward chose the name in part because "Ray" is Ward’s middle name and a family name. They later announced that they were expecting a second child.