Emmy Russell got a shot of confidence this week on “American Idol” from by “Kiss” legend Gene Simmons.

Simmons served as a celebrity mentor during Sunday’s show for the granddaughter of country music legend Loretta Lynn.

“You’ve got a great voice,” Simmons told her, per Penn Live. “I can’t sing like that.”

Part of Simmons’ mission is to get Russell to open up and break out of her shell.

“When Emmy came in, I immediately saw the tightness, which is your enemy by the way because on stage you will wilt like a flower that hasn’t been getting water,” Simmons said.

To help her overcome that, Simmons startled Russell with a yell.

“I have read the comments,” Russell said of social media. “She should stick to song writing. She can’t sing like her grandma. So, when Gene told me he liked my voice, it was really validating.”

Russell sang Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” on the show.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.