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Kellie Pickler<\/a> is heading back to American Idol<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n The country singer and former contestant will return to the stage on Monday, May 4, as part of a special episode celebrating the show\u2019s Class of 2006.<\/p>\n It marks a full-circle moment<\/a>\u00a0for the fan favorite, who first made her name on the show nearly two decades ago.<\/p>\n According to the official American Idol<\/em> podcast, she\u2019ll be joined by fellow alums Taylor Hicks<\/strong>, Paris Bennett<\/strong>, Bucky Covington<\/strong> and Elliott Yamin<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>Kellie Pickler\u2019s \u2018Red High Heels\u2019 Still Hits Hard \u2014 and Deserves More Love<\/a><\/p>\n The group is set to duet with this season\u2019s Top 5 contestants as part of the reunion celebration.<\/p>\n The episode will also feature performances with Dancing with the Stars<\/em><\/strong> pros, adding another layer to the live show as America votes to determine the Top 3.<\/p>\n The appearance marks a rare return to the stage for Pickler.<\/p>\n She has largely stayed out of the public eye in recent years, stepping back following the 2023 death of her husband, songwriter Kyle Jacobs<\/a>.<\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>Why Is Kellie Pickler in a Court Battle With Her Late Husband\u2019s Family? Everything We Know<\/a><\/p>\n She briefly returned to performing in April 2024 for a tribute to Patsy Cline<\/a> at the Grand Ole Opry, <\/a>but this Idol appearance marks one of her most high-profile moments since.<\/p>\n Pickler first appeared on American Idol<\/em> in 2006 at just 19 years old, quickly becoming a fan favorite and finishing in sixth place.<\/p>\n She went on to launch a successful music career, with her debut album Small Town Girl<\/em> earning Gold certification and producing hits like \u201cRed High Heels\u201d and \u201cI Wonder.\u201d<\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>Every \u2018American Idol\u2019 Winner Ranked: Least to Most Memorable<\/a><\/p>\n She later scored a Platinum hit with \u201cBest Days of Your Life\u201d and expanded her career into television, winning Dancing with the Stars<\/em> and co-hosting the syndicated talk show Pickler & Ben<\/em>, which earned five Emmy nominations.<\/p>\n Pickler has also built a career<\/a> in acting, appearing in films and TV shows including Christmas at Graceland<\/em>, The Mistletoe Secret<\/em>, 90210<\/em> and Billy Lynn\u2019s Long Halftime Walk.<\/em><\/p>\n Kellie Pickler returned to the stage for the first time since her husband Kyle Jacobs’ death at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on Monday night (April 22), performing as part of a tribute to Patsy Cline.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Gallery Credit: Sterling Whitaker<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nShe Won\u2019t Be Alone<\/h3>\n
A Return to the Spotlight<\/h3>\n
From Contestant to Star<\/h3>\n
PICTURES: Kellie Pickler Returns to the Stage at the Ryman Auditorium<\/h2>\n