Kellie Pickler was in the stands watching Luke Bryan sing the National Anthem on Tuesday night, but she wasn’t aware of the ‘Drunk on You’ singer’s use of “key words” which helped him get through the song. She says she understands what Bryan was going through at the All-Star Game, and the anxiety that comes with singing in front of millions of television viewers, and can’t understand the criticism. 

“Regardless of what you do … there’s always gonna be people pulling for you and there’ always going to be people that are just mean,” Pickler told CNN’s ‘Showbiz Tonight‘ host A.J. Hammer. Pickler sang an equally beautiful version of ‘God Bless America’ during the game’s 7th inning stretch.

The ‘Tough’ singer says Bryan is a really great guy, and her heart goes out to him as haters pile on. She also revealed that similar tricks aren’t uncommon. “I’ve never written the lyrics on my hand but I know that there’s teleprompters and stuff at different sporting events for people that sing the anthem,” she spills, adding of Bryan, He’s a great guy, and so what!”

Additionally, Pickler commented on the rumored vacancy on the ‘American Idol’ judging panel, telling Hammer that she doesn’t want Jennifer Lopez‘s job — before he could even finish the question.

“I do not wanna be a judge,” she said, throwing her hands up. “All I’ve ever wanted to do is live on a tour bus and be a country singer. All I wanna do is sing my song.” Adam Lambert is the hot name to take over the judge’s seat should Lopez vacate.

Watch Kellie Pickler’s Interview on CNN’s ‘Showbiz Tonight’

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