Emmy Russell, granddaughter of country legendLoretta Lynn, continued to march toward theAmerican Idolfinale on Sunday.
Russell wowed the judges with her rendition of “Water Under the Bridge” from Adele’s 2015 album25.
Her other performance, however, left at least one judge scratching their head.
For her dance song, Russell sangWalk the Moon’s “Shut Up and Dance.”
It translated well to her more mellow take, which featured Russell seated at a piano throughout the song.
Russell staying glued to the piano bench for a dance song wasn’t lost on the judges.
When she wrapped up, judgeKaty Perryquickly asked about her decision to remain seated during the song.
“Were you going to get up and walk around?”
“What happened?”
I kind of just changed my mind," Russell responded.
“Because my nerves get nervous.”
“I was waiting.
I was waiting,” Perry said, before abruptly transitioning into praise.
“Look, it’s okay.
You were the most confident I’ve seen you, even if it was from a profile.
It was the most confident and the best sounding you’ve ever sounded.
Chill bumps, everywhere.
I definitely want you to keep pushing yourself, though.
Don’t let those nerves get the best of you, Emmy.”
The other judges echoed Perry’s praise.
“If you had any nerves, we didn’t see it,“Lionel Richiesaid.
“You are, right now, stepping into that lane called superstar.”
Russell survived elimination on Sunday’s episode.
“Where’s all this energy been?
Where’s all this physicality been?
Why were you saving that for the almost last show?”
Perry asked as Carter laughed after her song.
“I’m scared for my job.”
Of course, not everyone is able to stick around until next week.
The next episode “Disney night” will air live on Sunday, May 12 at 8 p.m.
