KS local Emmy Russell auditions for ‘American Idol’ Feb. 25

A Kingston Springs native will begin her on-screen “American Idol” journey on Feb. 25.  

Emmy Russell’s audition in front of iconic judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie will air at 7 p.m. local time on ABC on Sunday. The Fillin’ Station in downtown Kingston Springs is hosting a watch party to cheer on Russell from 7-9 p.m. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

You can also stream the episode on Hulu the next day. The show’s new season, in its 22nd installment, debuted on Feb. 18.  

Russell, 25, wanted to find a musical career separate from her grandmother – the late country music legend Loretta Lynn, the singer-songwriter told the Gazette during an interview last month.

“I just wanted to be around other young creatives like me,” Russell said. “I think I just like the hard work of it, and it was outside of the traditional way that my grandma had – which is a publishing deal, get the record deal.”

“I wanted something out there and fun and just forced me to do it because I'm so shy and scared of going for it,” she added. 

Russell has chosen to follow in her grandmother’s footsteps, but via a reimagined pathway. 

She said she preferred to audition for "American Idol" over other singing competitions, like NBC’s "The Voice" or "America’s Got Talent," because the ABC show has encouraged her original songwriting. 

“I think Idol is looking for a lot of original artists and original music,” Russell said. “They wanted to more portray me as the songwriter on the show.”

The show’s alumni include the most awarded country artist of all time, Carrie Underwood, and three time Grammy winner Kelly Clarkson. New episodes air every Sunday evening throughout the spring. 

“Keep me in your prayers and … if I make it through, vote for me,” Russell said. “I just love everyone and thank you for the support that you've shown my entire life. I would want to give Kingston Springs a big hug and say, ‘Thank you for pretty much raising me!’”