Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Albemarle cheers its 'American Idol' (Kellie Pickler)
Charlotte Observer ^ | May 7, 2006 | MARK WASHBURN

Posted on 05/07/2006 3:09:43 PM PDT by buckeyesrule

ALBEMARLE - "American Idol" finalist Kellie Pickler got a hometown welcome Saturday, one full of tearful twists and an anthem to independence.

Pickler rode in a red 1968 Ford Mustang during a 20-minute parade, followed by speeches on a stage erected in the town center where thousands wore pink, purple, green and yellow Pickler T-shirts.

"It looks like a bag of Skittles poured on Albemarle," said Pickler, 19. "I couldn't have come from a better hometown."

Sharing the stage were her two grandfathers, Clyde Pickler and Ken Morton. Also there were her father, Clyde "Bo" Pickler Jr., and her half-brother, Eric, 5.

She was reunited with her father late last week after he was released from Florida State Prison. He served time for stabbing a man about three years ago and trying to run down pursuing police.

"Throughout my 19 years, I've had my ups and downs," Pickler admitted onstage when she turned her focus to her father.

"I know a lot of people would think I'd have a lot of resentment toward this person, and I don't. I feel blessed to have him back into my life."

And then, addressing the crowd, she said, "I've been prayerful when this person came back to Albemarle, he'd be given a second chance. We all make mistakes and we all learn from them."

With her voice cracking, she turned to her father and said, "I love you. And am so glad to have you back in my life."

Bo Pickler stood and hugged his daughter, lifting her off the floor for 30 seconds, then dried his eyes when he sat back down.

She sings anyway

Pickler thanked the crowd for supporting her and apologized if she'd embarrassed anyone with her rural orientation -- an ignorance of calamari, pronouncing "salmon" without a silent "L," her surprise about spinach salad.

At that, the crowd began hooting for a song.

"American Idol" producers, who keep contestants in close check during and immediately after their show appearances, don't want the singers to perform outside the "Idol" matrix. Producers ruled out Pickler singing even the national anthem at Saturday's ceremony.

Pickler weighed the pros and cons for a minute, then made up her mind.

"I'm going to get in so much trouble for this," she said, "but what are they going to do -- kick me off the show?"

With that, she cleared her throat and belted out "The Star-Spangled Banner" so powerfully, it was audible for blocks.

Busy months ahead

Pickler gave Albemarle a flash of Hollywood, appearing in the knee-high boots she'd worn for the "American Idol" episode focusing on the music of Queen, black jeans, a low-cut blouse and her hair cut back into a bob.

Pickler plans to go to Nashville, Tenn., next week, to meet with music producers. She will return to Los Angeles later this month for rehearsals and the finale of "American Idol."

Then she joins the other top 10 vocalists from the show for a national tour, which reaches Charlotte on Aug. 1 and will include the other two North Carolinians in the top 10 -- Chris Daughtry of McLeansville and Bucky Covington of Rockingham.

Bucky Covington's day, too

Forty miles southeast of Albemarle, Covington was honored by his hometown on Saturday, too.

About 5,000 people, estimated event coordinator Kim Williams, came to the "Bucky Bash" in Rockingham's business district.

Covington's twin brother, Rocky, was among the performers, and Bucky joined him onstage, though he didn't sing.

He posed for pictures, signed autographs and met fans for hours.


TOPICS: TV/Movies
KEYWORDS: americanidol; hotbabe; nationalanthem; whatsballsy; whitetrash
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-26 next last

1 posted on 05/07/2006 3:09:49 PM PDT by buckeyesrule
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: misterrob; retrokitten

PING!


2 posted on 05/07/2006 3:15:19 PM PDT by buckeyesrule (It just isn't the same without Kellie!!!!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: retrokitten

BTW, I finally bought the Melissa Lambert CD today (along with a Johnny Cash CD) and I like it. I like her music!


3 posted on 05/07/2006 3:18:09 PM PDT by buckeyesrule (It just isn't the same without Kellie!!!!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: buckeyesrule

This thread needs some pictures !


4 posted on 05/07/2006 3:29:43 PM PDT by Panerai
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Panerai

Kellie Pickler greets her father, Clyde 'Bo' Pickler Jr., on stage during Saturday's celebration for the 'American Idol' star in her hometown of Albemarle.
5 posted on 05/07/2006 3:31:26 PM PDT by monkapotamus
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies]

To: Panerai

I agree.


6 posted on 05/07/2006 3:33:12 PM PDT by buckeyesrule (It just isn't the same without Kellie!!!!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies]

To: monkapotamus

;) Yeah, but some with more of Kellie.


7 posted on 05/07/2006 3:33:28 PM PDT by Panerai
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: All

Thousands of Pickler fans, including one with her high school graduation photo, filled the downtown streets


Kellie Pickler rode in a red 1968 Ford Mustang during a 20-minute parade.


Kellie Pickler holds her brother Eric as he waves to her fans who gathered at the town center.


Kellie Pickler takes questions from reporters before Saturday's festivities in Albemarle.

8 posted on 05/07/2006 3:33:51 PM PDT by monkapotamus
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: Panerai

9 posted on 05/07/2006 3:38:04 PM PDT by operation clinton cleanup
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

To: buckeyesrule

""It looks like a bag of Skittles poured on Albemarle"

Gosh, a whole bag? You can let go of the hick schtick now, Kelly. The voting's over.


10 posted on 05/07/2006 3:38:15 PM PDT by RegulatorCountry
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: operation clinton cleanup
Ooops!


11 posted on 05/07/2006 3:39:57 PM PDT by operation clinton cleanup
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 9 | View Replies]

To: monkapotamus

I like her new haircut. She looks more like a modern country music singer.


12 posted on 05/07/2006 3:45:35 PM PDT by GraniteStateConservative (...He had committed no crime against America so I did not bring him here...-- Worst.President.Ever.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies]

To: GraniteStateConservative
****I like her new haircut. ****

Kinda gives her the Paula White look. LOL!

13 posted on 05/07/2006 3:53:23 PM PDT by buckeyesrule (It just isn't the same without Kellie!!!!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 12 | View Replies]

To: RegulatorCountry
You can let go of the hick schtick now, Kelly. The voting's over.

From what I've heard through the gravevine via people who know her, Kelly Pickler's "hick schtick" is her normal behavior.

Now, maybe you know her and think it's an act, or maybe you're an ass, I dunno. But that's what I heard.

She IS blonde and Southern, after all.

14 posted on 05/07/2006 4:26:51 PM PDT by JohnnyZ (Happy New Year! Breed like dogs!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 10 | View Replies]

To: JohnnyZ

"Now, maybe you know her and think it's an act, or maybe you're an ass, I dunno."

I suspect you know more about being an ass than you let on.


15 posted on 05/07/2006 4:32:32 PM PDT by RegulatorCountry
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 14 | View Replies]

To: JohnnyZ

I'm glad she got her shot, hope she is successful.


16 posted on 05/07/2006 4:37:17 PM PDT by ansel12
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 14 | View Replies]

To: RegulatorCountry

He does....

Try not to let it get you down.


17 posted on 05/07/2006 8:43:05 PM PDT by misterrob (Death once came calling for Jack Bauer. Death went home to mommy with a wedgie and no lunch money)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 15 | View Replies]

To: RegulatorCountry
So you admit you don't know what Kelly Pickler's really like and you were just being an ass?

Why would you bash someone with no justification who you don't know and who hasn't done anything but be a little innocent on national TV?

Is putting people down just a knee-jerk reaction for you?

I really don't understand people who think like that.

18 posted on 05/07/2006 9:26:05 PM PDT by JohnnyZ (Happy New Year! Breed like dogs!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 15 | View Replies]

To: JohnnyZ

I've admitted nothing of the sort. That girl milked an unfortunate stereotype for all it was worth. It was painful to watch. You obviously disagree, and have problems disagreeing in a civil manner. I'd say let's just drop it, but I sincerely doubt you will. So, have the last word.


19 posted on 05/07/2006 10:04:47 PM PDT by RegulatorCountry
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 18 | View Replies]

To: RegulatorCountry
You can let go of the hick schtick now, Kelly.

Uh, it was a "schtick". Believe it or not, some people are actually like that.
20 posted on 05/08/2006 7:12:14 AM PDT by Texas2step (<><)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 10 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-26 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson