Kellie Pickler; Photo by Robby Klein
Danielle Fishel revealed the news on the official American Idol podcast, sharing that Pickler will be joined by fellow Idol alums Taylor Hicks, Paris Bennett, Bucky Covington, and Elliott Yamin. The group is set to return to the show to duet with this season’s Top 5 contestants: Chris Tungseth, Hannah Harper, Braden Rumfelt, Keyla Richardson, and Jordan McCullough.
The upcoming May 4 episode will also feature original judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, appearing as guest judge and guest mentor, respectively.
Jason Merritt / Staff
In addition to the Class of 2006 reunion, the episode will include performances with Dancing with the Stars pros, bringing ballroom flair to the celebration, while America votes live to determine the Top 3.
Pickler has largely stayed out of the spotlight in recent years, only stepping back on stage in April 2024 for a performance honoring the late Patsy Cline. The appearance marked her first performance since the passing of her husband, songwriter Kyle Jacobs, who died at the couple’s home on February 17, 2023.
Pickler auditioned for American Idol when she was just 19 years old, impressing the judges with a performance of Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone” and Martina McBride’s “A Broken Wing.” She advanced far in the competition and finished in sixth place. She previously returned to American Idol in 2016, where she served as both a mentor and performer during the show’s final season on Fox.
Following her stint on Idol, Pickler rose to fame with her 2006 debut album, Small Town Girl, which was certified Gold by the RIAA and produced three Top 20 hits: “Red High Heels,” “I Wonder,” and “Things That Never Cross a Man’s Mind.” She also scored a major success with her Platinum-certified single, “Best Days of Your Life.”
In May 2013, Pickler and her partner Derek Hough took home the mirrorball trophy, winning Season 16 of Dancing With the Stars. She was later inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame.
From 2017 to 2019, Pickler served as co-host of Pickler & Ben, a nationally syndicated talk show that earned five Emmy nominations.She has also built a career in acting, appearing in several films and TV shows, including Christmas at Graceland, The Mistletoe Secret, 90210, Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk, Wedding at Graceland, and more.
