Pickler, who made it to the Top 6 on season 5 of “Idol,” will return to the stage in a rare outing following her husband Kyle Jacobs’ death.

Kellie Pickler to make rare appearance on American Idol 3 years after her husband’s death

Pickler, who made it to the Top 6 on season 5 of "Idol," will return to the stage in a rare outing following her husband Kyle Jacobs' death.

By Leigh Blickley

April 30, 2026 12:50 p.m. ET

Leave a Comment

Kellie Pickler performs in 2024. Credit:

Jason Kempin/Getty

- Kellie Pickler will appear on *American Idol*, 20 years after her season aired.

- It's one of the first public appearances she's confirmed to attend since her husband's death in 2023.

- Pickler will be joined by fellow *Idol* alums Taylor Hicks, Paris Bennett, Elliott Yamin, and Bucky Covington.

Kellie Pickler is returning to the *American Idol *stage in a rare appearance since her husband's death three years ago.

The singer, 39, will join *Idol*'s current top five contestants — Keyla Richardson, Jordan McCullough, Chris Tungseth, Hannah Harper, and Braden Rumfelt —for a special 2006 cast reunion on Monday, May 4.

"Next week, we will see your top five perform. Top five? Ah!” Danielle Fishel said on the Wednesday episode of the singing competition show’s official companion podcast. "We are going to party like it’s 2006 when some of the favorite top 10 finalists from that historic season will return to duet with this season’s top five."

Fishel then shared the season 5 all-stars who would be returning, including Pickler, Taylor Hicks, Paris Bennett, Elliott Yamin, and Bucky Covington. Original *Idol* judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson are also expected to appear on the episode.

Kellie Pickler and Kyle Jacobs. Taylor Hill/FilmMagic

Pickler has maintained a quiet life out of the spotlight after the death of her husband, Kyle Jacobs, in February 2023. The musician, who penned hits for country legends like Tim McGraw and Garth Brooks, died by suicide at the age of 49.

"One of the most beautiful lessons my husband taught me was in a moment of a crisis, if you don't know what to do, 'Do nothing, just be still,'" Pickler said in a statement a few months after her loss. "I have chosen to heed his advice."

She continued at the time: "Thank you to my family, friends, and supporters, for the countless letters, calls, and messages that you have sent my way. It has truly touched my soul and it's helping me get through the darkest time in my life. As many of you have told me, you are all in my prayers."

Kellie Pickler just released what might become your favorite new summer jam

Where are the 'DWTS' winners now? See all 33 Mirrorball winners through the years

Pickler and Jacobs started dating in 2008 and got married in 2011. From 2015 to 2017, the couple was featured on the CMT reality series *I Love Kellie Pickler*.

Although she's kept a low-profile as of late, Pickler did appear at the Ryman Auditorium for a concert tribute to Patsy Cline in April 2024 and performed "The Woman I Am," a song she co-wrote with Jacobs.

***Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our ******EW Dispatch newsletter******.***

"I'd be lying if I didn't say I was incredibly nervous right now," Pickler said, addressing the audience. "It's the first time I've been up on stage in a while."

She added that the last time she was in the Ryman was with Jacobs for a date night.

"I know he is here with us tonight," Pickler said.

*If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to **suicidepreventionlifeline.org**.*

- Reality Lifestyle Competitions

- American Idol

Original Article on Source

Source: “EW American”