Kellie Pickler's career started when she finished sixth on Fox's 'American Idol,' and she has since catapulted to stardom, garnering multiple awards and a slew of hits. During Wednesday night's 41st Annual CMA Awards, it all caught up with Pickler, who gave a tearful performance of 'I Wonder,' a song she wrote about her estranged mother Cynthia Malone, who abandoned her when she was just two years old. Nashville's audience rose to applaud not only Pickler's performance, but her struggle -- and ultimate triumph -- to rise to the top. Watch the touching performance after the jump.
Reader Comments(1 of 3)
Donnaat 1-23-2008
I read aol headline, "Pickler Admits 'She's a Mess'" to link to the video of her tearful performance at the CMA. Shame on you, aol! Why would you pitch that performance with a derogatory title?! What I saw was not a mess, but a beautiful woman willing to be vulnerable. Tears are a sign of strength, and are Holy Waters at work. No wonder she's a star!
wilmaat 1-23-2008
keep your head up.god loves you and he is with you every step of the way the family and i will prey for you.
Kelliat 1-23-2008
I totally felt for kellie in her performance. I am an adopte who now knows my birth family but sadly never got to meet my mother, she is missing, maybe dead. This song has meaning to me and I cried right along with Kellie.
Kellie I think you have become a wonderful person and made yourself a success. I too have worked hard in life to become successful. I like to think if my birth mom is in heaven she is proud, I am sure your mom is proud of you as well! From one daughter missing mom to the next, You Go Girl!
BMAXat 4-14-2008
I sat there watching in awe and said, "I'd hit it..." I'll bet your Mom was a hot little whore too. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
sandra osborneat 11-08-2007
For Kellie, I feel for you, I only hope your Mother will be as moved by your song as I am, a stranger. I was cying with you and I've never even met you. Be Happy! You deserve it! YOU did IT! Congrats
CALat 11-10-2007
That was one of the most amazing performances I've ever seen on this program.
Kelly's voice has matured so beautifully and I (as a mother) am proud of her strength and determination! Congratulations Kelly!!
shirley rushat 11-09-2007
I hope your mother is very sorry for not being a part of your life, but I would be very,very proud if I had a daughter like you! Not only because you are a country music star,but I know you are a good and decent person. I love you Kelly!
Freddy Duarteat 11-08-2007
You're the greatest Kellie!!!! I am sure your mother is out there and very proud of you..and i feel you will see her very soon!
CEECEEat 11-08-2007
I FEEL THAT PART OF THAT EMOTIONAL SONG, WAS DUE TO THE FACT SHE JUST LOST "THE HORIZON AWARD" TO TAYLOR SWIFT. I WONDER IF ANYONE ELSE FELT THAT TOO. I ALWAYS LOOKED FORWARD TO THE HALL OF FAMERS INDUCTEES REACTIONS & SPEECHES, THEY WERE DEPRIVED OF THAT LAST NIGHT. iF IT WASN'T FOR GEORGE STRAIGHT & JOSH TURNER, REBA & VINCE THERE WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN ANY COUNTRY MUSIC AT ALL.
Debat 11-08-2007
I don't know what the motives might have been, nor do I care. I can't even imagine the pain Kelli must feel not having her mom around, well I can imagine because my mom is gone now too. Don't be too quick to judge if you haven't been in those shoes!
LucyM.at 11-08-2007
I watched, I felt, I cried - Emotional scarring is the worse kind. Kellie hold your head up high, your mom hurt you, but she also did you a favor, if she was not mother material. She gave you to your grandparents who probably nurtured you and loved you more than your mother was capable. Some people are just not cut out for the job, and hopefully you'll forgive your mother, and hopefully one day she will come to you and apologize for the hurt she's put you through. It is really hard for some people to admit they've made mistakes especially if they know the whole world will be watching them.
You've made it girl, and no matter where she is today, she is Proud, even if she can't come forward and tell you so.
There are some of us who had both parents together and never felt the love that I'm sure your grandparents gave to you. Be grateful for the little things as life is too short to hold grudges. Remember Hollywood or Dollywood, don't let the fame and fortune ruin you. Stay true to yourself and know that millions love you and wish you well in your life, career and otherwise. Best of Luck!
Lisaat 11-08-2007
you need to grow up!!!you have more than most girls your age ever have.your mom did what she thought was best for you.be glad she put you and your needs first.until you have been in her shoes don't judge her.she could have kept you and you might not be were you are now so stop your crying it's not like you grew up on the streets with nothing or nobody
MCat 11-08-2007
I felt her pain. I am sure her Mom did too. Moms that are absent hurt as much, if not more than the kids we have to leave for whatever reasons. Sometimes we feel that if we stay we will hurt our children more than if we let go. The pain is real and for the person that thought the reason for the tears was for anything other than the ache in her heart for her Mom, then apparantly has never felt the loss of a child or parent. Kellie I feel for you and I am very proud of your accomplishments. Forgiveness is another accomplishment I am sure you have in your heart or those tears would not have been there. I look forward to seeing and hearing you in the future. You GO GIRL!!!!
MCat 11-08-2007
I felt her pain. I am sure her Mom did too. Moms that are absent hurt as much, if not more than the kids we have to leave for whatever reasons. Sometimes we feel that if we stay we will hurt our children more than if we let go. The pain is real and for the person that thought the reason for the tears was for anything other than the ache in her heart for her Mom, then apparantly has never felt the loss of a child or parent. Kellie I feel for you and I am very proud of your accomplishments. Forgiveness is another accomplishment I am sure you have in your heart or those tears would not have been there. I look forward to seeing and hearing you in the future. You GO GIRL!!!!
ouida lloydat 11-09-2007
I think that Kellie's performance was extremely touching and to the person that thought it was because she didn't get the Horizon award--You evidently haven't seen many of kellie's performances. The ones I've seen she can never make it through that song without crying. REAL TEARS_REAL HURT....I am so proud of her for having the guts to get up there and touch so many lives as she does. There area lot of children that have been left for one reason or another and can identify with that particular song..Hooray for Kellie. I think all of the newcomers this year deserved the Horizon award. They are very talented people....To Kellie...I know your grandparents are very proud of you!!!