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Kellie Pickler returned to American Idol on May 4 to perform a duet with Hannah Harper, who finished in the Top 5 this season. Together, the duo sang "A Broken Wing" by Martina McBride, paying homage to the year Kellie competed on the show to fit in with the “Class of 2006” theme of the night.
"I'm an antique idol dusting off," she said after the performance, telling Hannah, "Being able to share the stage with you has been a blessing."
The "Best Days of Your Life" singer, who finished sixth on Idol, was not the only former season five contestant to return. Former finalists Elliott Yamin, Paris Bennett, Bucky Covington, and winner Taylor Hicks returned to perform solo duets with the current competitors.
If that wasn't enough, former Idol judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul returned as guest judges during the episode.
This was a rare appearance for the Small Town Girl artist, who has largely remained out of the spotlight since her husband Kyle Jacobs' death in 2023. She last performed publicly in 2024 as part of a Patsy Cline tribute.
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't extremely nervous right now," she admitted to the crowd, per a TikTok video shared by Music Mayhem at the time. "It's the first time I've been on stage in a while. I will say that I am incredibly honored to be a part of this tribute to Miss Patsy Cline. She is a major reason I fell in love with music.
Kellie and Kyle, a songwriter, met in 2008 and married three years later. Following the 49-year-old's death, Kellie revealed that she revisits his words whenever she needs comfort.
"One of the most beautiful lessons my husband taught me was in a moment of a crisis, if you don't know what to do, 'do nothing; just be still,'" Kellie said to People in August 2023. "I have chosen to heed his advice."
