american idol is a star-making machine, known for turning people on the street into huge pop icons and even Oscar winners. But some of those who walk through that door to audition already have a connection to stardom, such as famous relatives in their family trees.
From Loretta Lynn's granddaughter Emmy Russell, who just auditioned for Season 22, to Jordin Sparks, whose father was in the NFL, who among the Idol wannabes and winners are A-list stars, and who are they? Let's find out if it was enough for you. That to Hollywood himself.
emmy russell
Disney/Eric McCandless; Erica Goldring/WireImage
“She's one of the greatest country music singers of all time, but she's just my grandma to me,” Emmy Russell said of late country superstar Loretta Lynn during her season 22 audition. american idol In February 2024.
The legendary “Coal Miner's Daughter” singer, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 90, left a huge musical legacy to her family, including Russell, 25, who impressed the judges with his original song “Skinny.”
“You're an A+ songwriter. Your grandma was too. You have that talent,” Katy Perry told her, before voting her in for the next audition. She said, “I don't think you need to compare yourself to when you were your grandma. You're completely different. You shouldn't put pressure on yourself.''
jordan sparks
Jordin Sparks, the daughter of former New York Giants football player Phillippi Sparks, was a contestant on season six. american idol.
She sang Celine Dion's “Because You Loved Me” during her audition in Seattle, Washington, and judges Cowell, Abdul, and Jackson all voted yes.
jordan kept winning american idol, and a hugely successful music career followed. She was nominated for a Grammy Award and has released chart-topping hits such as 2007's “No Air” and her 2009 “Battlefield.”
Ricco Barrino
Rico Barrino, the older brother of season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino, was a contestant on season 7. american idol.
During his audition in Dallas, Texas, he sang Sam Cooke's gospel classic “A Change Is Gonna Come” in front of judges Cowell, Abdul and Jackson.
Ricco received a callback before ultimately being eliminated. David Cook was the winner of season 7.
lara johnston
Lara Johnston, the daughter of Doobie Brothers member Tom Johnston, was a contestant on season 10. american idol.
She sang a version of Stevie Wonder's “All I Do” during her audition in San Francisco, California, and received a “yes” from judges Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, and Jackson.
Lara advanced to the Hollywood round before being eliminated. Scotty McCreery was the winner of season 10.
jane carrey
Jane Carrey, the daughter of actor and comedian Jim Carrey, was a contestant on season 11. american idol.
She auditioned for Bonnie Raitt's “Something to Talk About” and received a “yes” from judges Tyler, Lopez and Jackson in San Diego, California.
Jane made it to the first round of Hollywood Week, but was eliminated from the competition.
Shannon McGrane
Shannon McGrane, the daughter of St. Louis Cardinals baseball player Joe McGrane, was a contestant on Season 11. american idol.
She sang Etta James' “Something's Got a Hold on Me” during her audition in Savannah, Georgia, and received a “yes” from Tyler, Lopez, and Jackson.
Shannon made it to the top 11 before being eliminated. Phillip Phillips was the winner of season 11.
alex preston
Alex Preston, cousin of country star Jo Dee Messina, was a contestant on season 13. american idol.
He sang an original song titled “Fairytales” during his audition in Salt Lake City, which received a “yes” from judges Harry Connick Jr., Keith Urban, and Lopez.
Preston advanced to the top three before being eliminated. Caleb Johnson was the winner of Season 13.
grace franklin
Grace Franklin, the granddaughter of Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, was a contestant on season 20. american idol.
She sang her grandmother's classic “Ain't No Way” and the Fugees' version of “Killing Me Softly” during her audition.
Despite receiving a “yes” answer from Perry, Richie and Brian both voted “no” and advised Grace to put more time and effort into her practice.
