Kellie Pickler, You Are The Real Deal: A Tribute

I'm going to miss seeing you on American Idol, Kellie Pickler. Your brand of charm is rare, especially in the midst of showmanship, strategizing, and the "competition as a blood sport" culture.

I'm old enough to be your mother. I'm 43 and grew up without MTV, iPods, computers, cell phones, PDA's and the host of other technological advances that have supposedly made our lives easier. I remember more innocent days for youth and you brought it all back.

What is so refreshing about you is your complete lack of self-absorption. Believe me, this is no small thing. The vast majoritiy of those who are trying to make it in the music industry are consumed with who they need to impress, whose favor they need to curry, whose side they need to be on - all in order to get that golden opportunity - a label contract.

But you? Oh, you, my golden girl, did not play that game. In fact, it wasn't a game at all for you. You, in your breathless, fresh-faced nineteen-year old way ended up on a major television series and charmed the socks off of America. You are real, Kellie, and please hear this: There are not many who can say that in the recording industry.

They will try to bend you, mold you, and remake you into whatever image "they" think will sell more records. I'm hoping that the fighter spirit in you, the one that has rocketed you to the confident young lady I see today despite family obstacles, will continue to enflame your life. Let the spirit remind you that if you survived your past, you can most certainly survive the sharks and those who wish to manipulate your goodness.

What I will most miss about seeing you on the show will be your full-on desire to just be you. (Randy could learn much about "keepin' it real" if he'd be open to the genuine article...) You weren't about pleasing the judges. Or the public. Not really. From the very start it was about doing what you loved to do best. Sing. And sing, Kellie, sing loud. Sing strong. Because there are many, many people who not only need to hear you, but need to know that someone like you exists.

God bless you in all that you do, Kellie Pickler. You are the real deal

Comments

[rachel]

Aw how sweet thanks for doing that for Kellie we fans apperciate it so much

[Fred]

Have you ever known how you feel about something, but don't know how to put it into words? Well, you have done that for me and probably many, many others.
Thank you so very much for putting your (and mine) feelings into words.
I'm still wiping the tears.

Fred
Edgewood, Md.

[SC]

Beautiful words that totally express my feelings about the one and only Kellie Pickler! It was these very attributes and character qualities that drew me to Kellie from Day 1, and keep me interested in her future to this day.

Thank you for saying what I never could find the words for! I hear you and I agree.