Despite not making it to the “American Idol” finale, Emmy Russell is embracing her Sunday night elimination with grace and gratitude.
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, the 25-year-old singer-songwriter, who happens to be the granddaughter of country music legend Loretta Lynn, expressed her heartfelt thanks to her fans for propelling her into the Top 5 of Season 22. She reflected on her journey and shared why being eliminated isn’t discouraging for her.
“I’m just filled with gratitude. While I didn’t make it to the Top 3, I believe it’s all part of God’s plan. It’s funny because before my elimination, I felt like God was speaking to me, saying, ‘Emmy, you may not be chosen by America, but you are chosen by me,'” Russell shared.
She continued, “There’s no sense of disappointment or questioning why I wasn’t chosen. I know I am chosen. It’s like when a relationship ends, and even though it’s over, you still know you are loved.”
Russell then delved into why one of her performances, “The Climb” from “Hannah Montana: The Movie,” resonated so deeply with her during her “Idol” journey.
“For me, being here is about embracing authenticity and finding success in being true to yourself. It’s about facing rejection, pain, and challenges head-on. I didn’t initially want to sing ‘The Climb,’ but I truly believe Miley Cyrus captured it perfectly,” she explained. “Sometimes you have to experience setbacks. It’s not about reaching the destination quickly or what awaits you at the end. It’s about the journey.”
She concluded, “The journey is akin to Abraham’s journey to the Promised Land. The promise is intertwined with the journey; the journey itself is the promise with God.”
During Sunday’s episode, Russell, along with fellow contestants Abi Carter, Jack Blocker, Triston Harper, and Will Moseley, performed two songs each from the Disney, Pixar, and Marvel universes in a bid to secure a spot in the Top 3.
While Russell opted for “The Climb” and “Carried Me with You” from “Onward,” showcasing her comfort zone by remaining seated at the piano for her Miley Cyrus cover, she also demonstrated her newfound confidence by moving around the stage during her second performance
In a poignant moment during her Top 8 performance, Russell moved judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan with her soulful rendition of Lynn’s classic, “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”
Perry, who had chosen the song for her, was visibly moved by the heartfelt, piano-driven performance.
“I selected this song not because Loretta Lynn is your grandmother,” Perry said. “I chose this song because you are Emmy Russell, and you have the power to accomplish anything.”
The Season 22 finalists had the opportunity to record singles in the studio, set to be released on Friday. Russell’s song, titled “Redemption,” and Harper’s track, “H.O.P.E.,” will both be available to the public.
