American Idol season 22 finalist Emmy Russell has released her original song “Redemption” today. Listen here, via 19 Recordings / BMG Nashville.  A hushed whisper that works its way into a complete explosion of self-expressed freedom, the hooky tune celebrates the best kind of love one can possibly hope for: the love of oneself. 

Written by Russell, along with Lauren McLamb and Rob Sewell, the meditative song finds the singer-songwriter reflecting on a trying past relationship and, more specifically, is a deep dive into how she’s come to find self-love and acceptance amid turmoil.

“I wrote 'Redemption' because I process life through music and this song is what came out of a painful breakup,” Russell says. “There was a time when I placed all my value in someone else's hands. But, eventually, I had to realize I was constantly being tossed between 'I love you' and 'I don't love you,’ I wrote this song with Lauren McLamb & Rob Sewell. This song represents my decision to no longer be the person you come back to when it’s convenient. My telling him 'it’s over,'. I found my redemption in being alone and admitting to myself, 'I don’t deserve this,' which lead me to a door I’d been craving to open… I finally realized my worth by looking to God, then letting the truth that 'I am loved,' sink in. Now I know, no guy, nor anyone else, can take that away from me. I am loved and, now, that’s my redemption.”

A 25-year-old Nashville native, Russell  – a descendant of music royalty as the granddaughter of the late country legend Loretta Lynn – became an instant fan-favorite on Idol following the viral audition performance of her evocative, self-penned and incredibly revealing song “skinny.”

The winner of American Idol will be announced on May 19.

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ABOUT 19 ENTERTAINMENT:
19 Entertainment, a part of Sony Pictures Television, is led by executive producers Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman with key programs including the global hit “American Idol” co-produced by Fremantle for ABC and “So You Think You Can Dance” co-produced by MRC Entertainment for Fox. Additionally, 19 Recordings has launched the music careers of platinum artists including Gabby Barrett, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Daughtry, Phillip Phillips, Lauren Alaina; and more recently, contestants such as Chayce Beckham, Francisco Martin, Noah Thompson, HunterGirl and more.

ABOUT BMG:
BMG – est. 2008 – is the world’s fourth-biggest music company, the first new global player in the music business of the streaming age, and a record label and music publisher in one. Named in 2020 one of the world’s Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company, BMG’s pitch is unique – a relentless focus on fairness and transparency and service to its artist and songwriter clients. BMG’s 21 offices across 12 core music markets now represent over three million songs and recordings, including many of the most renowned and successful catalogs in popular music history. BMG’s fresh approach includes production music, films, books, artist management, merchandise, neighboring rights, and live as well as music publishing and recordings off the same service platform. BMG is owned by international media, services and education company Bertelsmann, whose other content businesses include the entertainment company RTL Group and the trade book publisher Penguin Random House. With its multi-platform perspective, integrated technology platform and commitment to help artists maximize their income, BMG aims to be the best company in music to do business with. For more information, visit www.bmg.com.

ABOUT AMERICAN IDOL:
Television’s original singing competition, “American Idol,” from Fremantle and 19 Entertainment (a part of Sony Pictures Television), has been renewed for an eighth season on ABC and 23rd season overall. American Idol was ABC’s No. 1 series in Total Viewers and ranked as the network’s No. 1 series in Total Viewers for season six. “American Idol” was also ranked as the No. 1 most social primetime entertainment series of 2023, generating 18.43 million total social interactions (averaging over 1 million social interactions per episode.)