Kellie Pickler made her triumphant return to the stage on Monday evening (April 22) at The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville for Walkin’ After Midnight: The Music of Patsy Cline, a concert event honoring late country music icon, Patsy Cline.
Kellie Pickler Honors Late Husband And Patsy Cline During Triumphant Return to Stage
Pickler was welcomed to the stage by a roaring applause and was all smiles as she addressed the capacity crowd.
“How we doin’ tonight, y’all? I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’m incredibly nervous right now,” she admitted before explaining, “It’s been the first time I’ve been up on stage in a while.” Pickler then shared her admiration for Patsy Cline, “I will say that I am incredibly honored to a part of honoring Miss Patsy Cline. She is a huge reason why I fell in love with music.”
The 37-year-old singer/songwriter went on to honor her late husband, Kyle Jacobs, who died in February of 2023, while introducing her performance.
“My husband and I actually wrote this song together, gosh, over a decade ago. The last time I was here in The Ryman Auditorium was with him on a date night, and I know he is here with us tonight,” she continued. “Thank y’all so much for having me. I’m going to do the best I can,” Pickler said with a smile.
The country superstar and Season 5 American Idol finalist delivered a stunning cover of “The Woman I Am,” a track that she co-wrote alongside her late husband, Kyle Jacobs. Donning a dazzling black and silver gown, Pickler put her adored powerhouse vocals on full display with a soaring performance of the tune that also serves as the title track to her fourth studio album.
Following her performance, Pickler received a lengthy standing ovation as she graciously thanked the crowd. Pickler’s appearance at the Patsy Cline tribute concert marked her first public concert since the passing of her husband, critically acclaimed Nashville songwriter Kyle Jacobs. Following her husband’s death, Pickler remained out of the spotlight.
Previously Credited Patsy Cline As Her Musical Hero
Pickler’s appearance at the event comes as no surprise, as she has previously recognized Patsy Cline as one of her musical heroes and biggest influences. The former SiriusXM’s The Highway host even credited Patsy Cline as one of the 11 people that have changed her life during an interview with Rolling Stone in June of 2014.
“I love Patsy’s voice. And ‘I Fall to Pieces’ is one of my favorite songs,” she told the outlet at the time. “Most everything was predominantly country in our home. I really wasn’t educated on a lot outside of traditional country music until I did American Idol and had to sing Rod Stewart songs or a Queen song, which I knew. Everybody knows Queen.”
Kellie Pickler also performed a cover of Cline’s “Walkin’ After Midnight” during her stint on Season 5 of American Idol in 2006.
Walkin’ After Midnight: The Music of Patsy Cline
In addition to Kellie Pickler, Ashley McBryde, Beverly D’Angelo, Crystal Gayle, Dailey & Vincent, Grace Potter, Home Free, Kristin Chenoweth, Mickey Guyton, Mandy Barnett, Natalie Grant, Rita Wilson, Tanya Tucker, Pam Tillis, Wynonna Judd, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo and many more also paid tribute to Patsy Cline at the star-studded event.
The 2+ hour concert featured performances of some of Patsy Cline’s most iconic and beloved hits such as “Sweet Dreams (Of You),” “Crazy,” “Walkin’ After Midnight,” “You Belong With Me,” “He Called Me Baby,” and “She’s Got You” as well as songs recorded by other artists that honor Cline.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden also made a special appearance during the Walkin’ After Midnight: The Music of Patsy Cline concert, where she delivered the opening remarks.
