Leslie Gray Streeter

Well, she's got me fooled then, and I'm a city girl.

"Unless she drops that act and taps into her full CMT Ann-Margaret capabilities, she's just so-so cakes to me."

Are you referring to that fine product of Sweden, Ann-Margret Olsson? If so, again, I must correct your spelling, and I don't think I've ever seen Ann-Margret on CMT. Unless there was an Elvis moviethon.

As for Ms. Pickler, one wonders if she has the ability to pass off that type of subterfuge. I like the Hoops girl.

All right, Miss Bennett. Who are you really? My mother? My 11th grade English teacher?

The CMT Ann-MARGRET line referred this weird country-girl/ sex-kitten thing she's got. It's a metaphor.

And I will agree with you - love that Ayla. She's such a talented kid, and she can take criticism...I like to think I'm a lot like her.

Smile, smile.

She is a fraud! My favorite was "I'm a mink!"

Oh, yeah. "'I'm a mink" was the best...or the worst. Depends on your point of view.

She was note perfect? Were we watching the same show? I only heard about 3 GOOD notes, she was all over the place and badly last night. I was waiting for Simon to rip her to shreds and his only comment was "I don't think it's the best voice"???? It's the WORST voice, and her heehaw shtick is just not even cute, even for a dumb fake blond.

Yes you're right they do have salmon at winn-dixie, even at Piggly Wiggly. Pickler acts like she doesn't even know what a grocery store is, puh-leez.

I find her painful to watch. Please, please make her stop talking.

you are my mentor stay kool love you

Brett laid eyes on her for the very first time last night and immediately declared, "She has a handler."

And you know I always loved that Brett.

you are a probably a northern transplant, who dosn't know anything about the south. kellie pickler will be the next american idol.

Actually, I was raised in Maryland, which is about half-northern, half-southern, with Southern influences, by parents who have now lived in Little Rock for almost 10 years. I have been to Plggly-Wiggly. And I know they have salmon there. And I know that whether or not I'd spent every one of my 34-ish years on the same block in Brooklyn, that I'd think she's pouring that stuff on. There are plenty of sophisticated Southerners, and plenty of un-sophisticated Northerners. I just think she's a Southerner who is taking advantage of the assumption that Southerners are backwards. Isn't that wrong somehow?

Also, Kellie could win (shudder), but that has nothing to do with whether she's faking the Ellie Mae. And not being a fan of hers has nothing to do with knowing anything about the South.

As far as I'm concerned, Mandisa is The Only One. I'm surprised you didn't even mention her knock-'em-dead performance last night. I'd even pay to see her.

By the way, you've got the greatest gig in the world for a writer.

Thanks, Susan! I love my job,too! And yes, Mandisa is my girl. I didn't mention her because that post was all about the Pickler...and the damage done.

any one jealous out there. ya all know she is the top for the girls. she is a doll baby and ya all just wait and see how far she goes.

I am with you, Ms. Leslie! Carrie Underwood was truly a country girl right off the farm when she came to Hollywood. (Remember her answer to Ryan's question, "What do you think about all these stars?") Not to mention, she had a set of pipes that were undeniable. This Pickler babe is not a star, not genuine, and in no way can she compete with some of the guys. They are dominating this year, so it's only a matter of time before we say "Bye Ya'll" to Kellie.

1. It's "y'all," not "ya'll." It's a contraction of "you all," seriously people let's get the little things correct.

2. Kellie Pickler is a big fat fatty mcfaker

Just like a girl to nit pick and put someone more talented down to make themselves feel better. I cant believe they even gave you a space on the web to voice your opinion. You should be locked up someone where no one will ever have to hear you again.

I think she is adorable. And as for her playing up the innocent southern charm I say work it Kellie. She is no different from "dumb blonde" Jessica Simpson not knowing about "Chicken of the Sea" or "Buffalo Wings" - give me a break. If Kellie can ride that train to millions like Jessica did I say go for it!

Ahh, Justin, if there is a place in the world where you get to post your opinion of girls and their worth and Kellie Pickler and justice and Piggly-Wigglys, shouldn't Leslie have the same?
This should never get personal. It's a TV show.

Like it or not, Kellie and the rest of the "Idols" are lovely young talented people, but they are also products, and most of what anyone says on "Idol" has been carefully choreographed so that 19 Entertainment can make us care about that product. What we have to decide is how much of that product we are buying. Leslie isn't buying Kellie. You are , and that's your right. Shoot, I didn't but Constantine's cheese, but I loved him anyway!!

It's your right, but you aren't entitled to your opinion more than Leslie are anyone else is. Thank God there is a place where we should alll get to voice our thoughts without getting nasty.

im not interested in fake ass girls with sob storys, in my opinion shes not in the compitition to be a singer, she is just more interested in looking cute while being in the spotlight..blahh

I totally agree with Mrs. Bennett 'subterfuge' comment (good word too by the way). It probably isn't an act, although I do bet she is hamming it up. As a matter of fact I am sure she is hamming it up and sure that the producers are egging her on to do so... but I also think she is really like what you see to some degree. We're just seeing an amped up TV friendly version of it... cause let's face it, it is meant to be 'entertainment' not just a singing contest...

And because she is quite entertaining I think the judges did a good job last night being her shill to get her into the next round... that and I really think simon wants to shag her!.... being the perve that he is.

Anyway, although I am a fan, I don't think kellie will win it unless she improves majorly vocally... Imagine when they start doing different genres... she may have problems.

However, that said, the Red states eat this show up and Kellie is the poster child for what they usually like. Generally speaking of course. So based on that alone, she'll go far. I personally like her and think she'll end up on CMT or as the ditzy blond on a country version of the newlyweds or something.

When AI 5 is over we'll not have seen the last of KP... she is a marketing wet dream... she'll be selling something for someone... even if it's not her new album... all the while saying ditzy/dumb things on her way to the bank$$

It's funny you mentioned evil genius because I was just having a conversation about how annoying it is that people make Kellie out to be dumb. Someone I just met said what I was thinking, "She's not dumb at all. In fact very smart. Out of all the women there, how do you think she get's her song choices correct each week? They are fun, memorable, well chosen. The two other girls with major training somehow make really poor choices. Even without the help of a teacher for a mom, or knowing someone famous, Kellie is naturally choosing many things from songs, to stage moves by her self. She is a natural talent, and that takes a lot of intelligence to pick all of those things."

I had to agree and added that I thought it was amazing that she is doing so well considering. Take into account that Kellie is exciting and that's why she's doing well. Is she everyones favorite? No, but she is not dull. There are 4 other girls there that sing great, but some of them have been rather dull in more ways than one. Kellie has the balance of good voice, stage presence, song choices that she will get a large audience, and I think she deserves it. This person also went on to say, "It's just like you can imagine Kellie being a star" and that made me realize that this person had a good point. Like it or not, Kellie knows what she is doing where other women there look lost. She may not win, but has a good chance of going near the top. So yes, you figured it out. Kellie isn't dumb after all and that's why I'm rooting for her. But everyone picks on Pickler, LOL. It's sort of "Damned if your dumb, and damned if your not". At this stage in the game, I'm impressed with her abilities.

I agree with Amanda below me.. She's got it right. It's like Lisa Kudrow who is known to be a genius yet knows how to look cute. NO I'm not really comparing her to Kellie, but Kellie is not dull and that will take her far.

im a southern girl born and raised for 50 years in deep south georgia and the nearest winn-dixie is 15 miles from me. they do sell salmon, but that doesn't mean you're going to buy it and cook it when everyone knows a good southern girl is going to choose a catfish to fry and some cheese grits to go with it. grilled salmon is more for gourmets and i dont think kellie is a gourmet cook. shes adorable and i would hate for someone to hear my accent on national television.

I really dislike Kelly Pickler. Yippee for the girl who is popular because she's an idiot on stage. I can't stand it. And really...Does Melissa Ethridge's song "I'm the Only One" sound all twangy? Not really. I think it is sad that everyone finds her sooo damn cute because she's an ignorant (or claims to be) southern girl who hasn't ever tried sal-mon.

For the record, I don't think a man, Simon Cowell or any other man, should be considered "perverted" for fantasizing sex with the so-called dolly-bot of discussion as someone previously suggested.

That said, I'd like to point out what no one else has yet mentioned in regards to Ms. Picklers' performance: The quasi erotic, get down, squat maneuver she added for effect in the middle of her song.

Sexy pro that she is, Paula Abdul did make note of it in her critique, suggesting I think, that it might have gone a little too far down. And healthy sexy man that I am, I'm thinking that squat possibly left a wet spot on the stage - that the girl deserves credit for her effluence.

Winning the whole shebang's is another matter, of course.

You're putting Kellie down for "using" her "aw-shucks-I'm-just-a-lil-ol'-hick" image, being a "Dolly-bot," and pronouncing the "l" in "salmon?" Hey, Kellie's personality does remind me of Dolly. A lot! But do you seriously think Dolly would still be talkin' the down-home way she does, after all these years as a Hollywood celeb, if she weren't businesswoman enough to know how much $$$ it's worth? (And while we're at it, why is Ahnold's Austrian accent still so strong after living in the US for decades.)
Like Dolly and Arnold, Kellie's deliberately letting the world see her "demographic" roots (but not those on her head). ;) It's not "fake." Sometimes a "makeover" is not good strategy.

As for the "sal-mon," lots people in the southeast pronounce the fish's name that way. Even the highly educated ones.

Sandi

Kellie's "act" is no more an act than Dolly's. They're both smart enough to know it's better business strategy to keep the "small town 'hick'" persona than to try to change it. Kellie reminds me a lot of Dolly, and that's what I like about her.

And BTW, lots of well-educated people from the southwest say "sal-mon."

Haters...haters....seems this is the world we live in.

Why can't we all just give this fine specimen credit for overcoming incredible obstacles (crap parents) to still be bubbly, happy and more talent than 90% of us will ever obtain with a mic in hand.

She doesn't have the best voice--she does have the best looks and bod. Mandy Moore? Britney Spears? Same deal. She's got a future career and I look forward to seeing much more from this cutie.

Stop the HATE!

I wotk for a daily newspaper about one hour from Kellie's hometown. I regret to inform you that there are no more Winn-Dixie stores in the Carolinas and the Atlanta half of Georgia. They sort of closed last year when even that silly little dog movie couldn't save the chain in this part of the world. I can tell you that the child would have to go to Greensboro or to Charlotte to eat sal-mon or, even better, calamari (and if she got it at Carabba's, she would have loved it, right?). Albemarle is not a very large town. I wrote a column for Friday advocating that the fast-food chain for which she works brings back the fried pickles it used to serve and calls them Picklers. I love her smile ... and she's not afraid to use her last name, unlike Mandisa, Yanni and Kenny Guh.

Great comment about Pickler's town and the Winn-Dixie. I love getting more information. And...touche about her specifically getting her sal-mon at that particular store.

I think, however, that you know what I'm saying about what I think is a falsely emphasized naivete. She said "salmon" not like she hadn't eaten it, but like she had never heard of it. And maybe she hasn't...she just seems like she's playing it up. I'm sure she is a sweet girl - she sure has overcome some horrible things.

But she is, as some have pointed out, a commodity, and she knows how to sell it. That's all I'm saying.

I was born in Greenville, Mississippi and even though I haven't been home in many years, the south does and has known about salmon for some time. We just prefer to eat fried catfish instead. Ms. Pickler is not as dumb a blonde as she is acting, but as one blonde to another she tends to go way over the line. If she was as smart as she thinks she is she would know that people from the south knows just how much is an act and how much is real. And I am sure the producers are telling her to keep this up. She should watch her performance then she will see that every week her act looks and gets phonier and phonier.

Jealousy can make you overanalyze and lead you to an intellectual fantast world of your own making.

Go Kellie! She's awesome.

And Dolly Parton is much underappreciated, by the way. Dolly is cool... Johnny Cash is cool...Franz Ferdinand is cool, too, ;)

I think Kelly is a nice gentel girl

OK - so I am from her "neck of the woods" and it is possible that the only restaurant in her town that serves salmon is the Outback, but she is way over the top for me. The calamari comment was cute, but last night was too much. She gives us Southern girls a bad name....

Can't get no Salmon (or calimari) in Albemarle?

Try the Satisfaction Grill - or Applebees. Or perhaps one of the many seafood restaurants there. There are 118 eateries in all for a town with a population of over fifteen thousand.

If this girl is as genuinely naive as the reporter claims, then she is indeed special. An idiot savant!

You're not a news writer. You're a flamer disguised as a news writer. A TROLL. What a loser!

Nah, I think Leslie is just a girl that doesn't really act like one. You know, warm and feminine like the norm.

Sigh.

Didn't you all actually read my post? You know, the part where I said she was talented, and that her performance was note-perfect?

Can you actually not stand for anyone to criticize anything that you like, even a little bit? I mean, that's your choice. It's just kinda weird.

And if you can't stand that, maybe you can at least read the parts where I actually complimented the girl...

Oh well. As you were.

What we see is all partially true. She is just laying it on really thick. She will not make the top 5.

The top 5 will be in no particular order.

Chris Daughtry
Taylor Hicks
Paris Bennett
Katherine McPhee
And one of these 3 (Mandisa, Ace Young, or Kellie Pickler)

I am leaning towards Mandisa for the final spot in the top 5. As for who will win, I don't know, it's really any one of those 5's to win. Mandisa's weight will hurt her in the votes toward the end. (And don't bring up Ruben, men and women are judged differently by America.) Elliot's looks will work against him as well, but his voice could possibly carry him to the 5, but it is a longshot. Ace's looks work for him, but his voice is not as strong as the others.

The most likely winner of American Idol this year is Taylor Hicks or Chris Daughtry.

GOOD DETECTIVE WORK! If we can get more info on that Winn Dixie she worked at, we can proove she's truly evil. I'm sure that accent is made up because I have some new leads. She's really got a New Jersey accent!!! We'll also work on getting Paris eliminated because she sang out of tune for the last two weeks.

And don't forget Katherine, that little phony! Cry cry, all she does is get teary eyed at the end of the performance. You bet, another put on.. and I suppose some people thought that was real too. Again good job on this one!

Oh, I think you are missing the point! The peroxided child is brilliant. The way she's portraying herself is as a non-threat and the other contestants are buying into it. "Wow, she can sing for someone I fear not!" That girl is a master manipulator. You know she is full of it and you still can't call it the simple S**T...

"You should be locked up someone where no one will ever have to hear you again."

Bwahahahaha! You'll have to ship the Fabulous Funkette to the moon! (I'm coming along; someone's got to sing the harmony).

I am from NC albeit a larger city than Kellie. I can guarantee you that not only do they sell salmon in the grocery stores you can order it and calamarie and spinach salad at resturants. We are not Mayberry and infuriates me that she betrays us this way and worse yet that someone somewhere will believe that we all live this way. But it will probably win her votes so maybe she is the genius afterall.

Thanks for this article.

The sal-mon was just a joke. Everyone is always quick to jump on someone, but she obviously wasn't being serious when she said it like that.

I am a neighbor of Kellie's granddad - I happen to know the family from three generations. (I married into that family) and believe you me, Kellie Pickler is no fake - she is the real thing. No matter what people say or write about her, she is a winner. Of the best sort!

Yes, we have salmon in the south. We just crumble it and mix it with flour and an egg and fry it. That's how it is served on most "supper" tables in the south.

And, if I remember correctly, Ryan asked her if she had eaten anything interesting (or something like that) and she said "no" and he said "no fish". Then she said that she had eaten salmon. Which I assumed meant that she had eaten salmon recently, not that she had never had it before.

Granted, she did not pronounce it correctly, but there are a lot of people who pronounce it that way.

TAYLOR HICKS ROCKS!!!!

OHfor crying out loud people. Leave these kids alone Kellie is a "genuwine" girl,. Why can't people believe there are still innocent, naive girls and boys around. Kellie you stay the way you are, but sadly if you win, you will see a lot of America that will taint your world. Glad you have made it.!

i think that her voice is amazing... she has a great attitude and there is nothing that she will stop at .... she is great ... and i think and hope she is the next idol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The only genuine "just fell of the turnip truck" moment on this show was when the crying cowboy wept when he saw the ocean. It was totally unrehearsed and adorable.

The first time I saw her I said to myself, "No, not another Jessica Simpson!" Do we really need another girl on TV promoting that blonde women are that stupid? As a southern girl myself, I am very proud of my southern accent and most people find it charming. However, I would never go overboard on the "dumb as a rock" routine. I am sure the producers of Idol are telling her to ham it up but I am afraid that this talented girl is going to end up losing because of it. All the while boosting Idol's ratings at her expense.

Excuse the multiple entries. First time comment use.

All of you cynics are wrong. She is the real McCoy. I have watched the “minx� segment and the “sal-mon� segment a few times. The reaction on her face and the look in her eyes signify, in my mind, fear. The fear of “Do I look like an idiot in front of all of these people. They are making fun and laughing at me.� She was scared and very self-conscious. No one can react that fast, with those facial expressions, unless it was set-up and rehearsed. And I don’t think the other contestants would stand for that. Also, she has never had any acting, singing, or stage training.

The reason MOST people love her is a combination of two things; vulnerability and sexual charm. She has the gestures and southern drawl like Debbi Reynolds had in the old “Tammie� moves, and exudes sex appeal from every pore like Marilyn Monroe. And she sings a lot better than either.

Simon is right. She is not the best singer in the bunch, but, she is a very likeable minx.

Kellie is the cutest, sweetest, innocent idol I have ever seen. She is the real small town girl, is there something wrong with that? She admits she can not dance, and has never had a city life with fancy food. I hope she wins and shows all her non belivers that she is a real true small town girl. I love her.

It is a shame that so many are jealous of Kellie.
Yes I said jealous.....showmanship is what it is all about ....whether she is genuine or not I like her and her performances.
Just as I like Taylor and his antics....
They sell salmon in my small southern town but my husband has never eaten it or for that matter would even know what it looks like.
So for all those that criticize ...I say get a life.

FYI, there are no Winn-Dixie's left in NC. I can promise you that if you had ever been to Kellie's home town in NC you would see that she is no act. It truely is a simple rural country place filled with simple kind but naive people who dont eat grilled salmon or sushi......

I’ve read all these comments about Kellie and I have to say most of you are just self absorbed idiots!
I grew up in the north and have lived the south for 20+ years…and I’ve met a lot of woman like Kellie …and at a much older age.
She has had a tough life and living with Grandpa on the farm, I bet she has never had calamari or salmon before, my god she’s only 19.
Now, do I think the producers are telling her to “talk it up�…maybe...probably, but that doesn’t make her any less real.
I’m hoping she makes it to the top but regardless of whether she does or not, I think she is already set with a huge future in music.

I know Salmon is pretty popular today in main steam America however not everyone can afford it. I would bet that she went out to eat, ordered the Salmon and pronounced it wrong. Ryan/Producers found out about it and used it for TV. Yes she is milking the "innocent" act but bottom line is she is picking good songs for her that are not boring and singing well enough at this point in the show. Not that I'm a Kellie fan, just thoughts! Chris all the way-now I'd pay to see him.

While I am sure that Kellie is not the number one singing talent, she carries herself perfectly. She is a southern darling, one that would make anybody vote her in as the "American Idol".

As for her persona, he naive attitbutes is an air of likeability; if you believe it or not she is intellegent enough to use it wisely.

A northeastern fan.

Hey! I love Leslie, and it needs reminding here that she writes these blogs like she parts her hair (if you know what I mean). She's part right part of the time, all right half the time, and on and on. If she were all right all of the time... then we would have to kill her (if you know what I mean).

Most readers seem to be missing the big picture of all that scat'n, whack'n and caterwhaulin' that Leslie's putting down, and that is: that she picked on Ms. Pickles because she recognizes that this particular young'n has great appeal and could possibly become a finalist -- but that the Ellie Mae Clampet from Dogpatch schtick goes just so far and that the girl will have to blossom (rhymes with possum, I know) some maturity in order for her to compete at that higher level with others offering a much wider range of vocal talent. (and if you read further beyond the junk in Leslie's trunk, you'll also notice she indicates at least a suspicion that a more mature girl was indeed lurking there that could possibly get the job done.)

Seeing the Virgin Mary in a month old cheese sandwich is all right, if that's what you truly believe you see there, but you just shouldn't expect everyone else to eat it with you - know what I mean, Verne?

Being a southern born, southern speaking woman myself, I can speak for other southern people, that get tired of the fact that because of our southern accents (yes some are worse than others), that we are "stupid" and "hickish" I have been all over the country, and in every corner of America, you speak, act and live your environment. If I were in New York, Boston, you could hear this in my voice! Its the south that gets the jokes and jests--you think because people think we as slow minded as we talk? No where in the world is better than the south. Southern people for the most part do not "put on" their charm. It's just there! People speak to you in the grocery check out lane, they give a smile to a stranger and put up their hand and say yes m'am & no m'am to an older person out of respect. Its the rest of the world that likes to think we so backward--we can't get out of the rain. Kellie is endearing and innocent! A thing lacking in most of America's cultures! And this is what is so appealling!

I can speak for other southern people, that get tired of the fact that because of our southern accents (yes some are worse than others), that we are "stupid" and "hickish" I have been all over the country, and in every corner of America, you speak, act and live your environment. If I lived in New York, Boston, you could hear this in my voice! But its the south that gets the jokes and jests--you think because people think we as slow minded as we talk? No where in the world is better than the south. Southern people for the most part do not "put on" their charm. It's just there! People speak to you in the grocery check out lane, they give a smile to a stranger and put up their hand and say yes m'am & no m'am to an older person out of respect. Its the rest of the world that likes to think we so backward--we can't get out of the rain. Kellie is endearing and innocent! A thing lacking in most of America's cultures! And this is what is so appealling!

Pickler and Ace playin' their looks and stero-type, can you blame them? I can't stand them but at the same time... if I were in their shoes I would do whatever I could to last as long as possible? Yep!

Pls Pls Pls, can someone tell me what Kellie said abt Calamari and salmon ?? i missed it and why is Simon saying "you got me at calamari"?

excuse me but i dont think that people shud use kellie's inexperience against her...do you think if that cowboy guy from god-knows-where got through u wud treat him differently?....not everyone grows up in some suburbian or citial life you know...and what i am seeing now is that the writer of this preposterous article looks down on people...let me ask you something....do you have the guts to perform in front of god knows how many people?...she got votes didn't she?...can YOU sing?..i guess not huh?...we don't know what's gonna happen but u might bite your tongue someday for saying..or well writing this stupid article...

I think Kellie looks and acts like a bar whore. If you guys haven't read that she has been into drugs and sleeps around then I'm telling you now.
She can put on a good act but I would personally choose a better one.
Her dumb innocent act can prove to be incorrect. She is just wanting to make money and doesn't care about herself or give herself any respect.

(Sigh).
One more time, from the top...commenting on someone's performance does not mean that I don't think they have some talent (Kellie seems to), or that I don't know she's popular (she is, so of course she gets votes!) or that she doesn't seem perfectly nice (she does.)

It just means that I have some issues with her persona, as a public person who puts herself out there in public to be adored, become famous and, when she warrants it, criticized. It doesn't mean that I am jealous (I'm not) or that I can't sing (I sure can!)

Kellie, God bless her, will have to deal with things a lot more harsh than what I wrote about her (and for the record, y'all, lay off the comments about other websites and their rumours about her supposed behavior. We don't know that, and you need to chill.)

And if Miss Pickler should become famous, she'll have to deal with critics. I'm sure that she'll do so with an amazing amount of grace.

Her fans should, too.

do you think katharine would be happy to see this seeing that you have been mean to her friend?..i dont think so...

Personally I think some of yall are being a little hard on Kellie. Even if she's not 100% authentic she's working it, and remember this is a competition. Not to disregard intergrity but if the southern charm thing works go for it ...

Your jealous of Kellie and can't admit it!

I grew up in the south and my mom, while not unintelligent, still says "sal-mon". It's just how she was brought up. Kellie Pickler is just a southern girl, there's no "handler" involved. Get over yourselves people, and realize that there is a huge world out there behind your front door that has all sorts of places, people, and things in it.

You people that think she has a handler are totally deluded. Anything that you can't comprehend or understand must just be a big conspiracy of some sort. I grew up in the South and my mom, while not unintelligent, still says "sal-mon" all the time. It's just how she was raised. Try and realize that there is an entire world out there full of different people, experiences, and places.

Whoops, I posted twice, I didn't think the first one took.

"I'm a mink!"

Can you find Kellie Pickler on this Miss North Carolina 2004 Delegates website? Scroll down a bit, you'll see her.

Here:
http://www.geocities.com/missusamagicj/ncarolina2004.html

Pickler post. I have made my wife a liitle mad by commenting on her. You just like her because she is pretty. Pretty and can sing. If this was last year she would beat out Underwood. Howevwer Bo would have won the Idol.Don't think she is all that and no my wife isn't making me say it. She is a little to hoaky for me but there is something about her persona that lures you in. I thought last night was a dreadful performance and I wasn't moved by it.She can sing but so can everyone else in the competition.She needs to focus on singing and drop the Jessica Simpson,Daisy Duke,Elle Mae Clampett and Dolly Pardon thing or I am going to barf . It comes off as lacking and I am embarrased by it actually.It is an act and America will see through her soon enough. I do however think she will be somewhat sucessful in due time.Bottom line spoiled,self centered,and just down right evil if you get caught up in her tailpipe.

Ok. enough about the salmon. i am from NC and granted there is salmon in all the grocery stores, BUT if you have never bought it, or had the money to spend on it, welll... i admit that some of Kellie's responses are a little "thick", but can you actually say that if you were on TV in front of millions of people and were asked questions on the spur of the moment, that you would give "thought provoking" answers?! i personally would be scared to death and just hope they could understand MY southern accent! my goodness, give the girl a break. She IS on TV and we are all just sitting at home WATCHING HER! At least SHE made it!

well i think your all wronge. Kellie's awsome i love that girl and the way she try's to be all funny and all that cute stuff. there's no doubt about it in my mind that kellie will be the next american idol so stop raggin on her i don't see you guys out there siging infront of people, i'd be nerves too.Come one now... she lost her parents and all wouldn't that be hard?? leave the poor girl alone KELLIE ROCK

every one loves her

SHE'S THE NEXT AMERICAN IDOL!!!

I have noticed that quite a few "journalists" that have been reviewing American Idol have forgotten that the contestants are from different parts of our country. They tend to belittle those from our southern states and assume that the southern personality must be an act. A lot of the journalists also comment on how everyone in Idol sings off-key. Well, I'm from NY, I've been involved in music throughout my life and I've attended college in the south. The contestants are all genuine and yes, they're occasionally off-key, but most are trying their best to put on the best performance. I think these so-called reviewers feel, like movie reviewers, that a bad review is more interesting to write than a good one. Well, I'm not impressed by their bitter criticism. Get over yourselves and try, if possible, to be more possitive in life.

My daughter's roomate at college went to school with Kellie and said she was a nice girl who had had some hard times in her life and was a very sweet and good girl. How do people judge her when they do no know her or her life's story. I pray that she makes it and will be a blessing to all to those who hear her music and to the family and friends in NC. Don't throw stones they make come back and hit you.
God speed Kellie!!!!!

I'm a transplanted Tarheel and I have no trouble believing Kellie just as she is. I've known several hundred people from smaller cities in NC and she's not terribly different from any of them. Believe what you will but there ARE a lot of people outside of the US urban centers who never have reason or opportunity to do a lot of things you and I take for granted: eating calamari, encountering a spinach salad, being surrounded by tall buildings, losing an accent. It's much more of a comment on the cynicism of the person posting when you make a remark like "she has a handler". That presumes that A) she's too dumb to "handle" herself, and B) that anyone who behaves in a way that's not like you and that others find charming must be Up To Something. I have a very good friend from Knoxville who's 47 years old and has never eaten fish. I have relatives from Virginia who have no idea what a burrito is. And I have an entire family of nearly sixty people, none of whom but me has EVER eaten calamari. It's not impossible and is not necessarily a pose. If you're offended by displays of overt Southerness, remember that many of us aren't. I moved to Seattle in the first place because I was vaguely embarrassed by what I used to refer to as "hicks". In the past 14 years, I've matured enough to realize what a treasure that sort of character in a person really can be. I miss Carolina every day and I can spot phonies a mile off. IMHO, Kellie Pickler is the real article: a slightly naive, unabashed, genuine, simple country girl. If you're suspicious just because she's also amazingly beautiful, that says more about you than her.

Heads up. I smelled a rats ass from the start. I am from NYC and can kind of dig the naive Souhtern thing. I dated a girl from Birmingham Alabama. You know, same kind of behavior, and veneer. I was into it. Fact is, Kellie Pickler is wiser and more savvy then anyone knows. She won't win it, chances are, but, you best bet if Playboy, or Hustler, cuts a million dollar check, she is in, "POO-Tang" and all
Y'all..........no disrespect, fact.

Kellie isn't just an ACT, she's a liar and drug user too. She told the judges she had never been on tv before or sang in front of people...LIE! She was on a tv show called "grab the mike" where she performed live week after week and she competed in the Miss North Carolina pagent. She also had a big time drug problem before AI. It's a crock and y'all are falling for it. I figure since half the country relates to her stupid hick act she will probably win.

Guys...ixnay on allegations on legal issues that are not substanciated. Not cool. Ever.

This is very sad. Nothing but negativity for a 19 year old girl who has had a hard life. Kellie looks and sounds to be a genuinely sweet young southern lady. If you see and listen again to her first audition comments when she sang the first song and then confidently asked if the judges wanted one more, you will understand that she is very genuine. Kellie got through the AI audition. Maybe you did'nt ? But, even if you consider that some of her replies are a little over the top, so what ?? Have you ever been on TV ? In front of 30 million people ? At 19 ? And being asked questions that you have to answer at the spur of the moment ? Not much time for thought provoking or deep answers, is there ? Even much older and educated people say the dumbest things and can be a total goof in front of an audience such as a wedding party. Leave aside on live TV in front of a large audience and 30 million TV audience. If you talked to the same person in a cafe over dinner, they would be totally different and would not tell the "lies" as you put it. Personally, I would be scared to death and break out into a cold sweat and would not know what I was saying. So lets give Kellie a little space before jumping on her neck and trashing her ?
No one would be successful in getting past the initial auditions if they did not have a little experience. Look at Kellie, she not only carries herself well like a Southern lady should, sings well with a great voice, but can also make people laugh and smile with spontaneous comments. That is a great gift !!!! It is entertainment and that is why people watch TV. So, she has sung with a band in her small town and been in a beauty contest. Good for her, as that has given her the practice to perform on the big stage. Kellie is obviously not a trained singer and so not taken voice lessons or learnt music theory. She would not know about "keys" and other technical stuff. Yes, she is a bit naive with her comments about Calamari, Sal-mon, mink (Simons's actual minx), but even people with college education might not know all these words. Some people may not have the money to spend on these things. There will always be petty people like you. Go get a life. Kellie, you go girl !!!

Ok not like yall are gonna believe me, put I grew up with Kellie Pickler being practically my sister bc she and my sister were Best Friends, and she is not and act. The way you see her on tv is the exact same way she acts in her normal life! Are yall so jealous you have to bash someone who is lucky enough to get an amazing career start?

Kellie is truely genuine. Read the following article and decide for yourself. The article has lots of photos and lots of insightful stories about this girl from rural NC who had not even been to the nearest city down the road at age 16

http://www.salisburypost.com/lifestyle/295821596065501.php

Snippet from the article

At the time, Pickler was 16 years old and had never even been to Charlotte. Miller introduced her to the big city down the road from Albemarle when she took her there to get her hair done before the pageant.

"She was looking around like Alice in Wonderland," Miller recalls. "I remember her saying, 'Summer, people are so different here.'"

In all honesty what does it matter if she is for real or fake. Is this a contest on how we grow up, or our social life, or even how educated we are? I thought it was a contest on how well a person can sing and entertain. Let's face it the girl can do both.

I'll still do her!!

What you see is what you get with Kellie!! I live in her hometown...my mom kept her when she was little! And by the way...I SAY SAL-MON!! SHE'S NOT FAKING IT!!!

i guess everyone from NC came on this site to defend their pickle. they would do us all a favor if they just took her back with them. I LOVE YOUR ARTICLE!

Albemarle has several restaurants that serve salmon and spinach salads. And one Italian restaurant that has free Calamari appetizers on Tuesdays. Ellie Mae or Kellie Dawn? Maybe this week we'll hear about the see-ment pond.

Kellie is the dumbest blonde ACTING bimbo they have ever pimped on idol. But as I said, it is all an ACT. When she was on gimme the Mic, she acted totally different. If she wins this, its an embarassment.

Kellie just arrived on the scene a few decades late. "Laugh-In" had Goldie Hawn, and "Hee-Haw" needed Kellie Pickler! She is great for the CMT revolution. Country music is just entering the early 70's classic southern rock period (yes, they are just about 30 years behind), and Kellie will fill the need nicely for the the Goldie Hawn persona of the new generation.

I think some of Leslie's comments are a little strong...

But Kellie is the epitome of why those who speak with a southern accent tend to come off unintelligent. I am from NC, Charlotte specifically, and I too speak with an accent (so I'm told). I do not think it's nearly as strong as hers, but regardless, she's not doing herself favors playing out the "little ol' me" bit. She comes off very immature.

She sings great, looks great...But if Ryan could refrain from holding a conversation with her, things would be perfect!

i think kellie is a big fake she is just playing up the dumb southern act .i cant stand her i hope she gets voted off soon..

Kellie gets on my nerves more than any other idol contestant. I was so mad last after Ryan read the judges comments from Tuesday and she asked what ballsy meant. She knows exaclty what ballsy means and is just trying to get votes by acting like a moron. I can't believe it's working! Please stop voting for her!

You all have gotten it wrong. Taylor is gonna shine. He may act like he has a cat loose in his pants, but, that man has SOUL!!!

Kellie Pickler is about as genuine as her hair. You people from her hometown ought to be embarassed. She's representing your town and state and she's making all of you look like stupid morons. She's also not that talented. Votefortheworst.com has elected Kellie Pickler as their next pick to vote for and I would say she is about the worst that you can get so good pick. Also, many of the lies Kellie has told are beginning to be disputed. What hard life? Who hasn't had a hard life? Only a very select few I would suspect.

I HOPE SHE GETS BOOTED OFF SOON, SHE GETS NERVE RACKING WITH HER ACCENT AND HER ACTING SO DUMB.

we don't have a winn dixie in little ole albemarle thank you very much :). i guess we are all weird here because everyone i know say sal-mon. yes, we know its (sam-on).but we also say things like ya'll and hey how ya doin...

Kellie is AWFULL! The only time I thought she sang well was at her initial audition. The rest is history. She completely slaughtered Patsy Cline's Walking After Midnight! They need to get rid of her annoying ass fast.I can't stand to watch her. That stomp thing she did got on my nerves...oh and Paula needs to stop "woohoo"ing, my eardrums about burst this last week.

I know of Albemarle very well, that is where I live and you can get salmon in restaurants. It is not a HICKVILLE the way kellie is portraying.

I know of Albemarle very well, that is where I live and you can get salmon in restaurants. It is not a HICKVILLE the way kellie is portraying.

I think that Kellie Pickler is such a fake. She needs to drop the act. It is more than I can stand to watch her play dumb. I think probably the best thing that she said in her twangy southern drawl is that she has lashes on and they are like spiders. She isn't that great of a singer. There is much better on the show that her. Playing the dumb blonde is not going to get her any where but off the show. I am hoping that will be soon.

kellie is cool and an ok singer y do u all think that she is so horrible?

hey people she is pretty and i idol her so wat if her voice is crappy she in general is a awesome person!give her some props dowg!

I think Kellie is such a fake. If she was in my in my high school growing up i'd probaly have to beat her ass. No one is that stupid!! Girls that act like that are only after one thing....attention!!! I think she should be kicked off the show for the simple fact that she lied and said she never performed for a large crowd before when she did!!! There are 3 types of people that I hate...Cheaters, Liars,and Fakes and she is every one of them. I think she sucks as a singer and a "Actor". GOODBYE KELLIE cause you are going home...very soon!!!!

I'm so sick of Kellie! I'm from Albemarle, NC and I'm sick of her making us look like stupid redneck hicks! Yes, Albemarle is a small town where people have country accents and drink sweet tea and constantly use the phrase "ya'll" but damn, there's a line to be drawn. If you can't see through her act, you're just as much of an idiot as she is. Albemarle is a very small and personal town and the people here know how she really is, except those in denial (such as family) She's a little ho that can't say no to boys, and crushes under pressure. She doesn't really speak with that accent either, she has one, just not that strong. She lied to AI saying she's never performed in front of an audience when she was on Grab the mike, Charlotte! And she was Miss Stanly County and crap. All I have to say, when she comes home and I see her, I'm going to smack the hell out of her. She claims to have such a horrible life! Boohoo, her life is no more worse than anyone elses. I know many people who grew up in worse situations, and are still there. You don't see them running around, bawling their eyes out to everyone. All it is is a pity act to get votes because her stupid ass can't sing like the others. If she makes it all the way through to the end, I'm never watching AI again. Please don't think all NC residents and Albemarle residents act like her, we don't...and neither does she in real life, she's trying to be cute. OPEN YOUR EYES!!! Please vote for someone with real talent that really truely deserves the title and honor as American Idol, someone that doesn't lie to get votes. It's sickening!

Knock it off with the bad words and the rumors about her reputation that have nothing to do with her singing. It's beneath you. And me. All such posts are being deleted and will not be tolerated.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,189331,00.html

i love that our Leslie is being quoted on Fox news!

YOU GO KELLIE!!!

All you people out there putting Kellie down because of her accent... the can't help how she was raised and how she speaks. God bless her grandpa for stepping up to the plate to help raise her. The girl has got it all. looks talent, personality. After all isn't Idol about performing???. GOOD LUCK KELLY!

hey kellie isn't that bad. you shouldn't judge her because of her accent or personality. you should judge her by her singing. i go to north stanly the same school she goes to and i am proud of her. you should judge her on her singing. yeah it seems like she is putting on an act but if you don't know her then you don't know what she is like.she has a great voice and we all know it. if she didn't how did she get so far.

All of you putting Kellie down now needs to look in the future a little bit. In a year look at you bank account, then look at hers. Who's the idiot now. Being from Nashville I know country music and Kellie has got a voice that will sell! And if she is putting on an act (and I don't think she is!) then she is on her way to make a great performer! I am not a country fan but if she was to release a cd I will be the first to buy it! If you have a problem with southern women, you are severely out numbered. Southern women hold a charm that know one else will!

obviously Kellie is likable by many Americans and is why she is still in the competition. Whether it be an act or just a plain jane who doesn't know much, but only southern style, then that makes her unique. People get real with your nasty comments and remarks. Kellie has a great voice, a beautiful smile and a killer figure. No one really knows if she is just playing the role as a know nothing southerner, but it sure is working on her side if shes faking it. Like the term goes, " Fake it to make it". Props to Kellie for what she is doing and each idol has their own way of style. So lay off Pickler and go look at your own self in the mirror.

Stop Hatin'!
Kellie Pickler has done an awesome job on the past shows! She's cute and has a good sense of humor! She CAN sing and that's a fact! She may pick the wrong songs sometimes but everyone does! I believe that she has had a hard life! I'm from SC and I've never even heard or seen Calamari and some people here do say sal-mon instead of sam-on! but who cares! she's from a hicktown just like the rest of the people that live in the South!

kellie is fine

I think you people should start saying good things about Kellie your just jealous she is no dumb blonde go Kellie go

i am kellies cousin from ohio! she better win!!! she rox!KELLIE DAWN PICKLER ROX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! VOTE KELLIE!!

In response to CR only. (pls scroll and read her comments above )

You are the one who's SICKENING! Don't worry, no one even said or thought Kellie is making YOU look like a stupid redneck hicks or act like her! Only DUMB people like YOU will think in such way and YOU are STUPID as you feel..
Who are you to judge and condemn Kellie ? I think you are jealous that you can't get your own stupid a** to sing.
And, i am so sorry that you're feeling so sickening. Hey, I personally hope Kellie will makes it all the way through to the end. AI will lose nothing if you don't watch it again next season, you are the only loser and isn't this will make you feeling more sickening ?!

Ok...the real scoop on Kellie is this; she's cute, she's sweet..but come on! I was a Kellie fan because of her personality....NOT because of her talent. We are now far enough into the season to say her "ditsy" cute image should not keep her on the show. Come on people! We are now down to talent, and she doesn't have it! We can all love her for the "dumb as dirt" image that she has portrayed BUT that shouldn't be reason enough to vote for her "talent" or lack of. Give her a spot on a sitcom as the hick next door type gal and we can all still love her! Personally, I still think she is a doll, but I just don't see her having the talent that several contestants have. Sorry to all you Kellie lovers, but it's time to wake up and smell the salmon! She DOES NOT have the talent it takes to continue!

If it's an act she will never win because people will see through her at some point. That country bumpkin act only goes so far.
If she truly is that naive and innocent, please let me be her manager. I will pay her in sal-mon, minx coat, and cala-mary while I make money.
"Honest Kellie, I pay you 100 dollars a week for your singin' and dancin'. That there's good money. The Circle K pays 50 dollars a week. You are a makin double your money."

Ignorance is bliss! And you are quite eaten up with it. You people really need to find a hobby or something to occupy your time.

SALMON-I know the L is silent, but I still say salmon,because saying it the right way is not natural to me. If your not exposed to fine dining and glamour, it does not come natural. Good Luck Kellie. From Kelley, who happens to be from the SOUTH. You people are Jealous. You probably say everything correctly, NOT- and we don't see you up there on AI.

You haters need to realize that people close to Kellie, rather it be family or friends, WILL and DO read stuff like this. All it does is make them laugh at your ignorance. Until you have solid proof on these accusations, I suggest that you all just stfu!