Monday’s (April 29) episode of American Idol narrowed down the competition from the Top 8 to the Top 7.

Before host Ryan Seacrest announced who would be sent home, the Top 8 all performed a song chosen for them by the judges. Each competitor received three judges’ choice songs, which were anonymously chosen for them by judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan. The trio of judges competed to see which one of them had the most songs chosen.

What did Emmy Russell perform?

Russell performed the judges’ choice song “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” written by her late grandmother Loretta Lynn.

Sitting behind a piano, Russell gave the most emotional performance of the night that left Katy Perry and so many more in tears. Her fellow competitors watched in awe of Emmy, because she showed a side to herself that we have never seen before, and it was incredible.

At the end of Emmy’s performance, the camera cut to her mom, Patsy Russell, who was visibly emotional and couldn’t be more proud.

Hear Emmy Russell's Emotional Tribute to Loretta Lynn

Emmy had a feeling Perry chose this song for her, and she was right. The “Roar” singer gave her reasoning for her song choice. She told Emmy through tears, “I chose this song not because you’re Loretta Lynn’s granddaughter, but because you are Emmy Russell and you can do anything now as Emmy Russell.”
Earlier in the show, Emmy also sang Lionel Richie’s “Hello” with Jack Blocker. Richie said he is always hesitant when someone sings his songs, but he loved that they really made it their own.

This episode also featured a special musical tribute to the late Mandisa, who passed away last week unexpectedly at the age of 47. Mandisa competed on the show in 2005 and went on to have a successful career in the Christian music genre, even winning a Grammy in 2014 for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album.

Did Emmy make it to the Top 7?

After each competitor performed their judges’ choice song, America’s voted six singers through to the next round of competition. Perry, Richie, and Bryan were tasked with putting one more singer through.

The singer who was eliminated was Kaibrienne, so Emmy did make it through! We can’t wait to watch her continue her American Idol journey.

Watch her incredible performance of “Coal Miner’s Daughter” below.