Kellie Pickler Looks Back on Life-Changing ‘American Idol’ Experience After Emotional Return

Kellie Pickler is reflecting on her American Idol journey 20 years after first capturing the hearts of millions on the hit singing competition.

Following her triumphant return to the American Idol stage on Monday night, where she teamed up with finalist Hannah Harper for a powerful rendition of Martina McBride’s “A Broken Wing,” Pickler appeared on the official American Idol podcast with Danielle Fishel to look back on the life-changing experience.

The performance marked several meaningful milestones for Pickler. Not only did it coincide with the 20th anniversary of her season, it also marked her first time performing on Idol since 2016 and her first public appearance in more than two years. Returning to the show, she admitted, felt like reuniting with family.

“It’s just like come full circle, I guess. And 20 years, like you said, it’s so nice that each time you come back to Idol, it’s kind of like you pick up right where you left off with everyone. I hope people really believe me when I say this, it is a family here. It is an idol family,” she shared. “And once you’re a part of it, it’s forever no matter what season you’re on. And so it’s really nice to come back and see so many of the same people that were working on the show 20 years ago.”

Looking back on her experience and everything that followed after the show, Pickler admitted she never expected her life to unfold the way it did.

“I think just coming from such a small town and I’ve never really been anywhere. That was my first time getting on an airplane, flying to Hollywood. It’s the first time I flew across the country and experienced all of these first time moments with the world watching at the same time. So a lot of people that watched my season were just kind of growing with me and watched me grow up on TV,” she explained. “And so it’s wild to think, wow, 20 years have passed and a lot’s happened and I’m very blessed. I’m very blessed.”

Before becoming a household name, Pickler was a small-town girl from North Carolina working at Sonic Drive-In — and she still holds onto reminders of those days.

“I still have my uniform, my apron with chocolate milkshake stains on it. I have my roller skates,” she revealed.

Pickler ultimately finished sixth during Season 5 of American Idol before launching a successful music career. Her debut album, Small Town Girl, produced hits like “Red High Heels,” “Things That Never Cross a Man’s Mind,” and the emotional ballad “I Wonder,” which explored her difficult childhood and strained relationship with her mother.

In the years that followed, Pickler released additional albums, won Dancing with the Stars, co-hosted a nationally syndicated daytime talk show, and expanded into acting with appearances in several films.

She was one of several returning members of the American Idol Class of 2006, alongside Bucky Covington, Taylor Hicks, Paris Bennett, and Elliott Yamin, who appeared on the show this week.

American Idol will officially crown its next winner during the live three-hour season finale on Monday, May 11. Judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood are set to perform alongside Alicia Keys, Brad Paisley, Blues Traveler and Gin Blossoms, Cameron Whitcomb, Clay Aiken, En Vogue, Jason Mraz, Lee Ann Womack, Nelly, Shinedown, and Tori Kelly.

The live season finale airs Monday, May 11 at 8:00 PM ET on ABC and Disney+.