Former ‘American Idol‘ contestant Kellie Pickler returned to the show for tonight’s (April 5) elimination episode, performing her single ‘Where’s Tammy Wynette.’ Pickler first appeared on the ‘Idol’ scene back in 2006, so it’s been quite a while since we first met her. She’s come a long way, baby!

Wearing a drapey, sleeveless cobalt blue top and dark rinse jeans, Pickler was cute and country casual, much like Scotty McCreery was last week when he returned to the ‘Idol’ stage. Her performance oozed plenty of sass and confidence. She even sat down amongst some of this season’s Top 8, who were seated to the side of the stage, while she sang the bridge. It was their chance to have a brush with post-’Idol’ greatness.

Pickler gave Season 11′s aspiring country star Skylar Laine a hug, telling her she looked beautiful. They are certainly two peas in a pod. Host Ryan Seacrest asked Pickler if she was having any results show flashbacks, to which she replied, “I was backstage having an anxiety attack. It’s so sad to see anyone go, since we’re all out here chasing a dream.”

Clearly, you can take the girl out of ‘Idol’ competition but you can’t take ‘Idol’ competition out of the girl.

Watch Kellie Pickler Perform ‘Where’s Tammy Wynette’ on ‘Idol’

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