Winona Judd I felt Loretta Lynn’s presence while performing with the late country musician’s granddaughter. Emmy RussellIn the season 22 finale american idol.
“I did and I love Loretta,” Judd, 59, told ET’s Denny Directo on the red carpet. american idol Final episode on Sunday. “She literally gave me the shirt off her back and was the first woman in country music to hug me.”
Judd said while she was in the room offering advice to others: 3 finalists american idol — Jack Blocker, Abi Carter, Will Moseley — get a chance to sing “No One Else on Earth” RussellThe 24-year-old was particularly touching.
“At some point in your life, you find yourself talking to someone in your family who is carrying on what their ancestors started,” Judd said of Russell.
Judd said she saw it. american idol Describing the performance as a “special night” of “giving back”, she offered to take the advice she learned the hard way and save whatever money she earned throughout her career, no matter who wins the show.
“I help young people who need wisdom and experience,” Judd said.
For Judd, getting the opportunity to perform with his longtime friend and music icon’s granddaughter was a very meaningful moment, considering he performed at Lynn’s life memorial service less than two years ago in October 2022. At the event, Judd performed a moving rendition of “How Great Thou Art” with the Gaither Vocal Group and Larry Strickland.
after Lynn died on October 4, 2022Judd also paid tribute to the three-time Grammy Award winner, thanking her for her contributions to music and friendship.
“When I was a little girl, I learned about Loretta by listening to her music at the Grand Ole Opry. She was the first country concert I ever saw,” Judd wrote on Instagram at the time.
She continued, “I was 15 years old and lived in a Las Vegas hotel for a while, and every night I would go to the casino showroom and watch her show. From the first time I saw her on stage, I was fascinated.” Ball gown.”
Last February, Russell surprised the judges. katy perry, luke bryan and Lionel Richie with the original song “Skinny” about her battle with an eating disorder. Before she started singing, She told the judges she grew up on a tour bus Her family relationship with her singer grandmother was revealed.
When Brian asked the contestant’s name, she simply answered “Loretta Lynn,” leaving all three judges visibly perplexed.
“Your grandmother is like that.” Rich said. “what?!”
She sang her own heartbreaking song on the piano for the judges and received high praise from the trio, earning her a ticket to Hollywood.
“You’re an A+ songwriter,” Perry said. “Same goes for your grandmother. You got a gift.”
He continued, “I don’t think you need to compare yourself to your grandmother. You are completely different. There is no need to put pressure on yourself.”
Russell was eventually eliminated on May 12th. american idol finale. The show airs live at 8pm ET on ABC on May 19th and will be available on Hulu the following day.
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