Kellie Pickler is reflecting on everything that has changed in her life since she auditioned for American Idol more than 20 years ago.

“I was surprised by everything to be honest,” Pickler, 39, shared on the May 6 episode of the “American Idol Official Podcast” with host Danielle Fishel. “A lot of people who watched my season were growing with me and watched me grow up on TV. It’s wild to think, ‘Wow, 20 years have passed.’ A lot has happened, and I’m very blessed.”

The chat with Fishel, 45, came after Pickler joined season 24 contestant (and ultimate winner) Hannah Harper on May 4 for a duet of “A Broken Wing” by Martina McBride. The song was what Pickler performed during her audition for season 5, which aired in 2006.

“It’s so nice that each time you come back to Idol, it’s kind of like you pick up right where you left off with everyone,” Pickler explained. “I hope people really believe me when I say this: it is a family here. It is an Idol family, and once you’re a part of it, it’s forever.”

Pickler’s comments mark her first interview since her husband, Kyle Jacobs, died in February 2023 at the age of 49.

A spokesperson for the Davidson County Medical Examiner later confirmed to E! News that Jacobs died by suicide. A toxicology report concluded there were no signs of drugs in his system at the time of his death.

Since her husband’s death, Pickler has remained mostly out of the public eye and off social media.

When she had the opportunity to perform with Harper, however, Pickler said she couldn’t say no to returning to the American Idol stage in Hollywood.

“My sister, she reached out to me after Hannah’s audition,” Pickler recalled before sharing her first impressions of working with the finalist. “She is such a doll baby and what a talent.”

During the Monday, May 11, episode of American Idol, Harper, 25, was crowned the winner, receiving a recording contract and a substantial cash prize.

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Related: Kellie Pickler and Husband Kyle Jacobs’ Relationship Timeline

Kellie Pickler and husband Kyle Jacobs bonded over their musical backgrounds — but they chose to take their time before getting hitched. The American Idol alum met her future husband in the mid-2000s through a mutual friend. While playing Us Weekly’s “Newlywed Game” in December 2015, the couple both recalled Jacobs’ pickup line as, “Hi, […]

While Pickler only made it to the Top 6 during her season in 2006, she’s confident Harper and the other finalists have found a forever home with the extended Idol crew.

“No matter what season you’re on, it’s really nice to see so many of the same people that were working on the show 20 years ago. It is a family. We take care of each other,” she said. “Idol is the family reunion you want to go to because there’s no relatives. It’s perfect.”

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