Loretta Lynn's Granddaughter Emmy Russell to Perform at Opening Ceremonies Concert
Monday, July 21, 2025 | 4:30 PM
“American Idol” Alum Emmy Russell to Kick Off 2025 Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship with Special Opening Ceremonies Concert
Granddaughter of Loretta Lynn Makes Anticipated Ranch Homecoming
MORGANTOWN, W.Va.. (July 21, 2025) — The countdown has begun until the 44th running of the Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship, presented by AMSOIL and MX Sports is excited to announce the aspiring artist that will kick off the week of racing at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch with a special concert during opening ceremonies. Hurricane Mills, Tennessee’s own Emmy Russell, the granddaughter of Loretta Lynn herself, will take to the stage at the family ranch on Sunday, July 27, for what will be a historic performance that will write a new chapter for the Lynn family legacy within the sport of motocross.
Russell gained national notoriety early last year when she was invited to be a participant in Season 22 of American Idol. Her incredible voice, combined with a storied family legacy, made her a fan favorite and thanks to continued support from the show’s judges, Russel blossomed into a natural performer. Her incredible run culminated with a top-five finish and a massive new audience of millions eager to hear more of her music and learn more about Emmy Russell, the talented artist and granddaughter of a country music icon.
While her Idol run thrust Russell into the spotlight, she is no stranger to performing. She sang alongside her grandmother many times throughout her youth and followed in her footsteps as a musician. Russell has had the privilege of performing alongside other country music legends like Willie Nelson and has even graced the hallowed stage of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Most recently, Russell opened for growing country music sensation Megan Moroney at select tour dates and just a few days ago, Russell released a single alongside her husband, fellow country music artist Tyler Ward titled “We Should Get Out of Here.” Russell’s next audience will no doubt be her most unique yet.
Growing up at the Ranch, the 25-year-old couldn’t help but be exposed to the annual racing spectacle that took place just a stone’s throw from her grandmother’s home each summer. With a partnership that spans more than four decades, the Lynn and Russell families have become interwoven into the fabric of amateur motocross and Russell’s performance to cap off this year’s opening ceremonies serves as a bit of a full circle moment for the event.
“We are incredibly honored to have Emmy join us and showcase her talents with the thousands of racers, families, and friends that will spend a week camping and competing at the Ranch. Our longstanding partnership with the family is one of the most special and unique relationships in all sports and we couldn’t be more proud of the legacy we’ve created together,” said Tim Cotter, Event Director, MX Sports. “I cannot think of a more perfect way to send these athletes on their journey than to be treated to the beautiful voice of Loretta Lynn’s own granddaughter. It’s a surreal moment for us at MX Sports, and every single one of us at the Ranch is in store for a memorable evening.”
On-track action at the 2025 Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship will begin on Monday, July 28, with practice for all 36 classes. Racing formally gets underway on Tuesday, July 29, and will be showcased live, from the first gate drop to the last, on Racer TV.