ERIC MCCANDLESS/DISNEY

Emmy Russell is stepping out of herfamous grandmothers shadowto blaze her own trail in music.

The 24-year-old granddaughter ofcountry legend Loretta Lynnauditioned forAmerican Idolwith an emotional performance of an original song Sunday.

Quiet and admittedly shy, the Nashville native admitted to having big shoes to fill.

Emmy Russell American Idol

Credit:ERIC MCCANDLESS/DISNEY

But Russell said that the time has come to put herself out there and pursue her musical dreams.

“That’s why I want to challenge myself and come out here.”

“You’re an A+ songwriter.

So was your grandma.

You got the gift,” judge Katy Perry told her.

“I don’t think you should probably compare yourself to what Grandma was.

You’re totally different.

You shouldn’t give yourself all that pressure.”

JudgeLuke Bryanjokingly referred to Russell as a baby mouse.

We just gotta get you more confident.

I think Im more like her now than whenever I was trying to be like her.

Despite her shyness,American Idolwasn’t Russell’s first brush with television.

We cant wait to watch Emmy follow in her memaws footsteps!