Kellie Pickler, season 5 American Idol contestant, brought the crowd to tears with an emotional performance of her song “I Wonder” at the 2007 CMA awards.
Pickler won hearts all over America with her adorable personality on full display for her audition on American Idol. Singing a powerful rendition of Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone,” she easily gained a “yes” from all three judges and advanced to Hollywood. Kellie ultimately came in 6th place, but American Idol was just the beginning of her success story. Following Idol, Kellie charted 5 songs including “I Wonder,” an emotional song written to her estranged mom.
American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers awarded Pickler a songwriter award for “I Wonder,” and for a good reason.
This song tells a tear-jerking story about Kellie’s challenging childhood. “I Wonder” details a one-sided conversation she would have with her mom about the things she missed out on in her childhood due to the fact that her mom was not there.
“I think about how it ain’t fair
That you weren’t there to braid my hair like mothers do
You weren’t around to cheer me on
Help me dress for my high school prom like mothers do
Did you think I didn’t need you here to hold my hand, to dry my tears?
Did you even miss me through the years at all?”
The North Carolina native was raised by her grandparents after being abandoned by her mother at the age of two. Her mother later explained her actions as self defense to get away from Kellie’s dad who was in and out of prison most of Pickler’s childhood.
Pickler’s mom used the numerous media outlets this performance created as an opportunity to reach out to her daughter. Pickler’s mother shared about domestic violence and how it was to blame for the marred relationship with her daughter.
Kellie was nominated for the Horizon Award at the 2007 CMA Awards and was asked to perform “I Wonder” for the event. Kellie’s performance stole the show that night despite the fact that the award ultimately went to rising-star, Taylor Swift. Pickler couldn’t hold back her tears while performing the vulnerable ballad that brought the audience to their feet.
On the same day as her CMA performance, Kellie Pickler and her mom spoke with ABC 11 Eyewitness News revealing where their relationship was at the time.
“I did what was in the best interest of her, Miss Kellie. The beatings came more frequent. I knew I was gonna lose my life if I didn’t leave, and I didn’t know how to leave. So I packed up one day and I left. I left her with her grandparents.”
Kelly responded saying, “I don’t know why you want anything to do with me now. You never wanted anything to do with me my whole life.”
See Kellie’s interview in the video below: