Kellie Pickler’s life has changed a lot since she took to the American Idol stage in 2006. 

While she was a roller-blading waitress at a burger joint before her time on the competition series, where she placed fifth, she emerged a household name. And in the 20 years since, Idol has been the gift that keeps on giving. 

“I hope people really believe me when I say this,” Kellie told Danielle Fishel on the American Idol podcast, marking her first interview since her husband Kyle Jacobs’ death in 2023. “It is a family here. It is an Idol family. And once you’re a part of it, it’s forever, no matter what season you’re on. And so, it’s really nice to come back and see so many of the same people that were working on the show 20 years ago.”

“And we take care of each other,” the 39-year-old continued, noting of her recent return to the Idol stage, “It’s good to be home.”