American Idol favors contestants with famous relatives, using their stories for leverage | HO

From the A-list judges to the contestants-turned-stars, ‘American Idol’ has plenty of well-known faces — but did you know some of the singers have come from famous families? See who has a celeb connection

American Idol is a star-making machine, known for turning people off the street into huge pop icons and even Oscar winners. But for some of the people who walk through those doors to audition, they’ve already got a connection to stardom — a famous relative in their family tree.

From Loretta Lynn’s granddaughter Emmy Russell, who just auditioned for season 22, to Jordin Sparks, whose dad was in the NFL, find out which Idol wannabes and winners had an A-lister in their midst — and whether that was enough for them to make it to Hollywood themselves.

01

Emmy Russell

AMERICAN IDOL EMMY RUSSEL Loretta Lynn split
DISNEY/ERIC MCCANDLESS; ERIKA GOLDRING/WIREIMAGE
“She’s one of the biggest country music singers of all time, but to me she’s just Grandma,” Emmy Russell said of the late country superstar Loretta Lynn, during her audition for season 22 of American Idol in Feb. 2024.

The legendary “Coal Miner’s Daughter” singer, who died in 2022 at age 90, passed on a major musical legacy to her family, including the 25-year-old Russell, who impressed the judges with her original song “Skinny.”

“You’re an A+ songwriter. So was your grandma. You got the gift,” Katy Perry told her, before voting her through to the next round of auditions. “I don’t think you need to compare yourself to what Grandma was. You’re totally different. You shouldn’t give yourself all that pressure.”

02

Nikko Smith

Nikko Smith with his father Ozzie Smith
GETTY (2)

Nikko Smith, son of Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith, was a contestant on season 4 of American Idol.

He sang a version of Stevie Wonder’s “All I Do,” receiving a “yes” from judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson.

Nikko made it to the top 9 before he was eliminated. Lee DeWyze was the season 4 winner.

03

Jordin Sparks

Jordin Sparks (r) and father, former NFL player Phillippi Sparks
JOHNNY NUNEZ/WIREIMAGE
Jordin Sparks, daughter of former New York Giants football player Phillippi Sparks, was a contestant on season 6 of American Idol.

She sang a rendition of Celine Dion’s “Because You Loved Me” for her audition in Seattle, Washington, in which judges Cowell, Abdul, and Jackson all voted “yes.”

Jordin went on to win American Idol, and a wildly successful music career followed. She has received a Grammy nomination and released chart-topping hits such as 2007’s “No Air” and 2009’s “Battlefield.”

04

Ricco Barrino

Ricco Barrino and Fantasia Barrino
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Ricco Barrino, older brother of season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino, was a contestant on season 7 of American Idol.

He sang Sam Cooke’s gospel classic, “A Change Is Gonna Come,” for his audition in Dallas, Texas in front of judges Cowell, Abdul, and Jackson.

Ricco received a callback before his eventual elimination. David Cook was the season 7 winner.

05

Lara Johnston

Tom Johnston (L) and daughter, singer/songwriter Lara Johnston
JEFFREY MAYER/WIREIMAGE
Lara Johnston, daughter of Doobie Brothers member Tom Johnston, was a contestant on season 10 of American Idol.

She sang a version of Stevie Wonder’s “All I Do” during her audition in San Fransisco, California, receiving a “yes” from judges Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, and Jackson.

Lara made it to the Hollywood round before she was eliminated. Scotty McCreery was the season 10 winner.

06

Jane Carrey

Jane Carrey and father Jim Carrey
JOHN SHEARER/WIREIMAGE
Jane Carrey, daughter of actor and comedian Jim Carrey, was a contestant on season 11 of American Idol.

She auditioned with “Something to Talk About” by Bonnie Raitt and received a “yes” from judges Tyler, Lopez, and Jackson in San Diego, California.

Jane made it to the first round of Hollywood week before she was eliminated from the competition.

07

Shannon Magrane

Shannon Magrane and St. Louis Cardinals’ pitcher Joe Magrane
GETTY (2)
Shannon Magrane, daughter of St. Louis Cardinals baseball player Joe Magrane, was a contestant on season 11 of American Idol.

She sang Etta James’ “Something’s Got a Hold on Me” during her audition in Savannah, Georgia, receiving a “yes” from Tyler, Lopez, and Jackson.

Shannon made it to the top 11 before she was eliminated. Phillip Phillips was the season 11 winner.

08

Alex Preston

Alex Preston and Jo Dee Messina
GETTY (2)
Alex Preston, cousin of country star Jo Dee Messina, was a contestant on season 13 of American Idol.

He sang an original song titled “Fairytales” for his audition in Salt Lake City, in which he received a “yes” from judges Harry Connick Jr., Keith Urban, and Lopez.

Preston made it to the top three before he was eliminated. Caleb Johnson was the season 13 winner.

09

Amelia Hammer Harris

AMELIA HAMMER HARRIS
ERIC MCCANDLESS/GETTY
Amelia Hammer Harris, daughter of “Great Balls of Fire” songwriter Jack Hammer, was a contestant on season 16 of American Idol.

She sang “Gimme Shelter” by The Rolling Stones in Savannah, in which she received a “yes” from judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie.

Amelia made it to the top 24 before she was eliminated. Maddie Poppe was the season 16 winner.

10

Claudia Conway

GEORGE CONWAY, CLAUDIA CONWAY
CHRISTOPHER WILLARD/GETTY
Claudia Conway was a contestant on season 19 of American Idol. Her father, George Conway, was the advisor of former President Donald Trump, and her mother, Kellyanne Conway, was the Senior Counselor during his term.

She sang Rihanna’s “Love on the Brain” and Adele’s “When We Were Young” for her audition, in which Bryan votes “no,” and Perry and Richie said “yes.”

Claudia made it to the Hollywood round before she was eliminated. Chayce Beckham was the season 19 winnner.

11

Grace Franklin

Aretha Franklin; GRACE FRANKLIN
ABC/ERIC MCCANDLESS; KEVIN WINTER/GETTY IMAGES
Grace Franklin, granddaughter of the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, was a contestant on season 20 of American Idol.

She sang her grandma’s classic “Ain’t No Way” and the Fugees version of “Killing Me Softly” during her audition.

Despite receiving a “yes” from Perry, both Richie and Bryan voted “no” — advising Grace to put more time and work into practicing.