Just after she was voted off American Idol season 22, Emmy Russell fired back at her critics in a cryptic post.
Russell, who made it to the Top 5 and was considered a contender throughout the season, took to her Instagram Stories to share a quote. “Honesty without kindness is cruelty,” the quote reads, per ScreenRant. “Kindness without honesty is manipulation.”
Emmy Russell, who is the granddaughter of country music legend Loretta Lynn, performed Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb” during American Idol’s Disney Night on Sunday, May 12. After Jack Blocker, Abi Carte, and Wil Moseley made it to the Top 3, Russell shared on Instagram that the world will be hearing more music from her in the future.
Sometimes you’re gonna have to lose,” Russell said, quoting Cyrus’ hit track. “It’s not about how fast you get there; it’s not about what’s waiting on the other side. It’s the climb.”
Fans cheered her in the comment section. “Your parents raised you right,” one fan told her. “Now go start your career that God has meant for you to have.”
Another fan praised Emmy Russell for how she approached the criticism while on the show. “The way you handled all of the undeserved hate with such dignity and grace was an act of bravery. You are a role model for all women. Rooting so hard for you!”
Emmy Russell Opens Up About Her ‘American Idol’ Journey, Shares Best Advice She Received From One of the Judges
According to PEOPLE, Emmy Russell opened up about her time on American Idol, stating it felt like a marathon to her.
“You get off the marathon and I just let out a little cry,” Russell explained. “And I was just like, ‘Oh, it’s over. It’s a high.’ So you get to come off the high and then there is that kind of emotional-ness that comes to that too.”
Speaking about her approach to music, Emmy Russell also said she thinks she’s a little timid at times. “I think it is because I want to own my voice,” she pointed out. “That’s why I want to challenge myself and come out here.”
Recalling one of the best advice she received on the show, Russell said, “Katy Perry always said, ‘You carry a message. Don’t doubt that about yourself,'” she recalled. “Some people tell me, ‘You don’t deserve this.’ For her to be like, ‘You do, you’re here.’ I think that she made me really believe in myself.”