Emmy Russell walked barefoot on the “American Idol” stage Monday, doing what she's been doing since the beginning.
She bared her soul.
Loretta Lynn's granddaughter made a name for herself as an original songwriter during her time on the show, and she also happens to have a great voice. And she was set to perform her original song “Skinny” when she took the stage Monday.
Want more country music news? Click here.
It should have been a celebration as well. Russell had just found out he was going to make the Final 14. But the emotions flowed through the song, and the tears flowed when it was all over.
“When I sing that song, I feel like God created me to be this way,” she told host Ryan Seacrest.
Russell also performed her original song “Want You” on Sunday, which wowed the judges and earned her the vote to advance to the contest.
“It's about wanting someone who doesn't want me to come back,” she said before Sunday's performance. “I really wanted this person to love me as much as I loved them.”
Can't see the video above? Click here.
Russell then barged into her performance, and Seacrest admitted he became emotional after she finished. This led to questions about whether Seacrest needed a hug, and Judge Luke Bryan took the stage, lifted Seacrest into his arms and hugged her.
Brian then joked that Seacrest was the most expensive thing he had ever owned.
Aside from the scene that unfolded, the judges were once again impressed with Russell on Sunday.
“Emmy, that was one of my favorite original songs you sang,” Katy Perry said. “I know you were a little nervous. You just want more breath and longer notes. Girls, learn how to hold your breath more, like going swimming. From Emmy It's a long note, but I know you have it. We need strength. Let's go. Now is the time!”
“It was you,” Brian told Russell. “I loved it because it was so real and I think you could really feel the emotion that was there. That's the essence of your artistry and don't lose that. But listen, dear. What you did on that song is really your signature. It's very emotional and probably my favorite performance of yours to date.”
Lionel Richie told her that “Want You” was a hit.
“Before we go any further, first of all, this is a hit record,” Lionel Richie said. “I don't care. We can talk about the future, but it's a hit record, dear, and you're an amazing songwriter. Incredible performance.”