Okay, let's talk. Emmy Russell went home on American Idol after a spirited display, failing to make the top three. A lot of factors go into America's decision, including the talent of the competition. Though some are angry with the decision, let's not underestimate of the three competitors moving forward.
However, for better or worse, Russell's entire narrative has been defined by her relationship to her grandmother Loretta Lynn. Much fuss has been made about Russell being the granddaughter of the late country music legend. So it's worth questioning if being Loretta Lynn's granddaughter actually hurt Russell's chances of winning American Idol.
Many of Russell's critics have argued that the singer only earned a place in the competition thanks to her family connection. There's been calls of nepotism on the show. Russell had to deal with a lot of online hate thanks to internet trolls. It got to the point where others came to her defense. One wrote, "The hate that everyone has given Emmy Russell this season because she's Loretta's granddaughter is appalling. She's talented and may not be your cup of tea but she has talent and a place at the table."
Another wrote, "I have yet to figure out a legitimate reason for people to be so horrible to Emmy Russell. She has a beautiful gift, has faced a lot of battles and is willing to be more vulnerable about what that looks like than most any person criticizing her."
Emmy Russell Was In A No-Win Situation
Additionally, there was a lot of pressure on Russell's shoulders to succeed. As someone shy and a bit timid, Russell blossomed through her journey across the season, but she never quite shook the stress of performing. Viewers comparing her to Lynn likely added to the pressure. Likewise, media and American rolled with the narrative of her being Lynn's granddaughter. Russell even performed "Coalminer's Daughter" after judge Katy Perry offered it as a choice. The comparisons grew.
Even Luke Bryan said that being Loretta Lynn's daughter wouldn't protect Russell. He said, "At the end of the day, we have to be honest, because America's watching.... I think if we start sending people through just because they have a connection with any form of music or if there's somebody famous — if we start sending people through that don't seem like they're worthy of it, I think that America will call us out on that."
So Russell was put in a no-win situation. She garnered criticism just for her family connection, which could have played a factor in voting her out. Likewise, if she had won the competition, she would have endured even more backlash for her familial ties. But ultimately, win or lose, Russell has made a name for herself and found fans. She should be proud to stand on her own.
