Thousands of fans welcomed ‘American Idol’ contestant Kellie Pickler home to Albemarle this weekend with a party and parade.
The streets were lined as the parade got underway in downtown Albemarle to welcome Kellie home. She made it all the way to the top six in the hit TV show "American Idol." Even though she wasn't expected to sing, she wowed the crowd by singing the National Anthem.
With a new, shorter haircut, Kellie stood on stage and introduced a surprise guest:
“I’m very glad, blessed, to have this person back in my life. I know a lot of people think that I would have a lot of resentment towards this person, which I don’t because I’ve forgiven him.
“You know, every day I get on my knees and I pray for God to forgive me for my sins and for what I’ve done wrong. Who am I to not forgive you for your sins, to forgive him for his sins? And I just I pray.
“Again I’ve prayed for a long time, that when this person came back to Albemarle that he would be given a second chance. We all make mistakes. We learn from them, we pray for God’s forgiveness and we move forward. Ladies and gentlemen I would like to bring up my dad.”
Clyde Pickler came up on the stage and the pair embraced. “Thank you baby,” he said.
Clyde was sentenced to prison in 2004 for stabbing a man in Florida. He was released from prison Monday, five days before her homecoming celebration.
“We might not have had the best relationship and a lot of people wonder why,” Kellie said. “How can she be so close with her dad? You know what, I don’t know. I know that I love him. I know that God has placed it upon my heart to forgive him because he forgives me every day. I love you and I am so glad to have you back in my life.”
Due to contractual agreements with ‘American Idol’, Kellie wasn’t expected to sing.
"I'm going to get in trouble so when they call and say 'Kellie you're in trouble' y'all better write letters," Kellie said.
The crowd stood as belted out National Anthem.
Kellie won’t be in Albemarle long. Next week she's headed to Nashville to pursue a country music career and this summer she’ll be on tour with ‘American Idol.’
“Salmon, whatever. Calamari. Thank you guys for accepting me for Kellie. Thank you guys for loving me no matter what I’ve done,” Kellie told the crowd in closing. “If I embarrass you I’m sorry, but thank you. I love you guys and I hope you know how much you guys mean to me. Thank you.”
PUTTING GOD IST IN YOUR LIFE YOU ARE NUMBER 1.
I WATCHED YOU EVERY WEEK WITH MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER AND WE LOVED YOU FOR BEING JUST YOU. GOOD LUCK IN YOUR FUTURE. GEORGE,JADE AND AMY
Kellie is awesome, we love her!!!!!!!!! :)
Kellie,
You are an awesome person, being from, Midland North Carolina, right near Albemarle, we watched every week. You will go FAR.
Your fans,
Valerie Brad and Chloe Brock
Congratulations Kellie for singing the national anthem so beautifully for the people in your community who really did all their best to support you. On your rise to stardoom do not forget all your fans. And also as you did always thank all the crew and ordinary people who work hard to put up a good show. And most of all now that you are still young and single try all your best to live your dreams and be a role model for young Americans. Your great heart and good qualities already made you a true American Idol and a real Star. Go on and don't be afraid because when you sing good music and act outstandingly in movies you will be successful in your career and you will give your fans a lot of things to remember. More power to you and don't forget to say your prayers nor to walk the right line.
Kellie you're a wonderful person and your rendition of national anthem was amazing, the best I've ever heard! You're the BEST!
Despite what a few idiots said, you never embarrassed us and we're all extremely proud of you. We loved calamari, salmon, etc. Simon even loved it and he's not easy to please. LOL Just keep on being yourself. We all love you for that.
Hi there!!!
I hope Kellie reads this, I am so heartbroken that they voted you off. I have two teenage boys and an 8 yr old. My husband and my boys always watch American Idol. I started watching the first season. I have never gotten so attached as I did to you. I loved (and still do) everything about you. I love your innocence and sweetness and I think you are the best ever. I cried so hard when they called your name, my husband and son thought I was being silly. I have been unable to enjoy Idol the rest of the season and I am going to miss you. I hope I don't sound stupid. Good luck in everything you do I know you will be sucessful.
I will continue to follow and hopefully I can see you when y'all come to Tampa, Florida. Thank you you have touched my heart.
Kellie, you go girl! You and Taylor were my Idol favorites. You both had personality and brought life to Idol every week.
I loved your rendition of the National Anthem. I wish you continued success and everythng good that will come to you. Stay true to who you are! A fan from Illinois.
She has touched the lives of many, including mine. Albemarle is so blessed to have this one of a kind gal. I've adore her since the very start. Never missed to vote! I can't wait to buy her debut album! Wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors. And may she and her family have good health. Godspeed Kellie, you're the best!
YOU ROCK!!!!
P.S.
Kellie sweetie, since you said you wanna pursue TV and film. Comedy would be a great place to start. You're natural at it. Write down your catch phrases, it's a goldmine! Maybe we'll see you in a comedy film with Ellen Degeneres or Steve Martin.
I am from Canada and too bad I couldn't vote for Kellie but I asked my family and friends who live in Minnesota to vote for her. I was so disheartened to see her leave that wednesday night but I wish to see more of her. American Idol just doesn't end there, my American Idol Kellie is just beginning the journey for big stardom. THe show has never been the same without you Kellie and I wish you the best. You have a big heart and I love you for that.... Godspeed!!!
KELLIE I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT I LIKE YOUR NEW HAIRCUT AND THAT YOU ARE MY NUMBER 1 FAN AND I HOPE YOU MAKE A CD BECAUSE I WILL BUY IT AND PLAY IT OVER&OVER AGAIN I STILL LIKE YOU WITH LONG HAIR BUT I KNOW YOU NEEDED A CHANGE BUT YOU LOOK OLDER WITH YOUR HAIRCUT SHORT . PLEASE MAKE A CHRISTIAN CD SO I CAN BUY IT AND PLAY IT FOR A VERY LONG TIME. GOD BLESS YOU AND I WILL KEEP YOU IN MY PRAYS EVERY NIGHT I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH YOU FRIEND ROBERT A. BAXTER