Former ‘American Idol’ Star Emmy Russell Shares Backstory Of Singing Grandma Loretta Lynn’s Song On The Show

On a recent appearance on The Thrivalist podcast with Jamie George, former American Idol contestant Emmy Russell revealed that she was initially reluctant to perform her grandmother Loretta Lynn's iconic song, "Coal Miner's Daughter," on Season 22 of the show. Russell was frustrated when the judges selected the track for her, but the 26-year-old singer…

On a recent appearance on The Thrivalist podcast with Jamie George, former American Idol contestant Emmy Russell revealed that she was initially reluctant to perform her grandmother Loretta Lynn‘s iconic song, “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” on Season 22 of the show. Russell was frustrated when the judges selected the track for her, but the 26-year-old singer ultimately delivered a poignant rendition of the country classic on the piano as a tribute to her grandmother, who had recently died. “When I saw the song choice, there was immense sadness because she just passed away very recently,” she said. “I wanted to do it more like an ode, almost like a way of hugging her. I’m literally just a granddaughter singing this song to her grandma.” Russell finished in the Top 5 that season, and has since welcomed her first child and will be opening for Megan Moroney this April in Knoxville, Tennessee. (People)

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Universal Music Group has just unveiled the rebranding of its Nashville operations to Music Corporation of America (MCA). The rebrand is led by recently appointed President/CEO Mike Harris and CCO Dave Cobb, with MCA continuing to operate and support their frontline labels: Mercury Nashville, EMI Nashville, Capitol Nashville and MCA Nashville, along with the newly…

Universal Music Nashville Rebrands As MCA

During her final show of her Las Vegas residency on April 12, Carrie Underwood was reunited with Noel Miller, a Make-A-Wish recipient with a severe heart condition she first met 15 years ago. The country superstar also donated over $235,000 to the foundation, a portion of which came from her residency ticket sales. Underwood, who…

Carrie Underwood Reunites With Make-A-Wish Foundation Child 17 Years Later, Donates $235K From Vegas Residency To Charity

In a new interview clip featured on Spotify to promote his new album, Morgan Wallen discussed his collaboration with Post Malone on their just released track, "I Ain't Comin' Back." The country superstar revealed how the song ended up on his upcoming album, I'm the Problem, instead of on Malone's F-1 Trillion. "This was written…

Morgan Wallen Claimed Post Malone Collaboration For His New Album After “I Had Some Help” Was Included On ‘F-1 Trillion’

In a new interview clip featured on Spotify to promote his new album, Morgan Wallen discussed his collaboration with Post Malone on their just released track, “I Ain’t Comin’ Back.” The country superstar revealed how the song ended up on his upcoming album, I’m the Problem, instead of on Malone’s F-1 Trillion. “This was written…

Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, and LeAnn Rimes lead the list of performers who have just been added to the live lineup at the 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards taking place on May 8. The other new additions to the ACM performance roster are Cody Johnson, Kelsea Ballerini, Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Clint Black,…

Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, LeAnn Rimes Among Performers Added To 2025 ACM Awards Lineup

Drew Baldridge finds himself on the brink of possibly securing another No. 1 hit with his current Top 15 single, “Tough People,” following up the success of his groundbreaking self-released No. 1 hit from 2024, "She's Somebody’s Daughter.” Working alongside Luke Combs to co-write the impactful song with Adam Sanders and Jordan Walker, Baldridge initially…

Self-Made Country Star Drew Baldridge Closes In On Another No. 1 With “Tough People”

Drew Baldridge finds himself on the brink of possibly securing another No. 1 hit with his current Top 15 single, “Tough People,” following up the success of his groundbreaking self-released No. 1 hit from 2024, “She’s Somebody’s Daughter.” Working alongside Luke Combs to co-write the impactful song with Adam Sanders and Jordan Walker, Baldridge initially…