'Idol's' Kellie Pickler performs in Richmond

[Drew Lipski]

'Idol's' Kellie Pickler performs in Richmond
Playful Pickler offers smooth sound

KELLIE PICKLER
Music review
At:Toad's Place on Thursday

By MELISSA RUGGIERI
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER
The girl Simon Cowell called a "naughty little minx" is really more of a kitten. An adorable kitten who is an erratic singer, but a darling presence.

Kellie Pickler, the sixth-place finisher of the 2006 season of "American Idol," warmed up to Thursday's Toad's Place crowd almost immediately by mentioning she had a special message -- hometown hero to many, Elliott Yamin, supposedly called her just before the show and wanted his fans to know that he misses and loves them.

That's just the kind of young lady Pickler is. You can trust her to relay a message, but don't count on her to finish primping in a timely fashion.

It was 10:30 p.m. by the time the 21-year-old Pickler strutted onstage in sparkly stilettos, shaking hands down front, waving to the balcony and rolling into "Gotta Keep Moving." It's tough to be annoyed with someone who owns such a high-wattage smile, but after nearly an hour wait after openers Marna and Macy cleared the stage, the audience of about 500 had a right to feel restless.

But Pickler and her six-piece band -- including a pedal steel guitar player -- quickly dove into songs from her debut album, "Small Town Girl," which has sold more than half a million copies since its release last fall.

She's not a powerhouse vocalist like some of her "Idol" peers (Missus Clarkson and Underwood, to be exact), but Pickler offered a smooth vocal sound with a light coat of twang during "Things That Never Cross a Man's Mind" and "One of the Guys."

The backing vocals of her guitarist, however, hugely tempered her tendency to veer into Shrillsville, where she visited to a painful degree on "I'm On My Way." Her version of Tammy Wynette's "Stand By Your Man" suited her pinched upper register, while a fun, spot-on run of Dolly Parton's "9 To 5" suited her playful personality.

Pickler frequently mentioned her troubled upbringing in North Carolina -- and also profusely thanked "Idol" for being "the rocket to launch" her career -- and paid homage to her past in song.

The ballad "My Angel," written for the grandmother who raised her, would have been cloying if you didn't get the sense that it comes from a very real place with Pickler -- likewise with her current hit, "I Wonder," a tender ballad that she delivered with glassy-eyed emotion.

As evidenced by her run on "Idol," Pickler will never be a truly great singer, but as long as she continues to exhibit such endearing character traits, she'll always have some sort of career.

Meanwhile, Marna Bales and Macy Kaczmarek, the local mother and daughter duo who go by their first names, proved worthy openers for Pickler. Their taut, polished country -- augmented by a five-piece band -- was as agreeable and catchy as anything else currently on country radio.

"Hey Hey Baby" and the spunky "Queen of the Neighborhood" zipped with electricity, particularly when the pair harmonized. A cover of Dobie Gray's "Drift Away" was competent, if a tad sluggish, but the lovely ladies compensated with a punchy take on The Eagles' "Heartache Tonight."

Those who came for the star power got Pickler. Those who came for some meaty singing got these two. Contact Melissa Ruggieri at (804) 649-6120 or mruggieri@timesdispatch.com.

'Idol's' Kellie Pickler performs in Richmond - News - inRich

[amanda_434]

My friends and I saw her on Wed and we all agreed Kellie sounded flawless even though they aren'y big fans of Kellie, so I don't understand the "will never be a truly great singer". Also, she came out within 10 minutes after Jack Ingram finished, so I don't think "primping" has anything to do with it.

But on a lighter note, that's a cute picture! I love that shirt- she's been wearing it a lot lately, but it's really cute!!

[north_clt]

I think I remember the writer from during Idol, and the Idol tour. I am pretty sure I've had issues with her stories before.

One question here is: How does she know Kellie was late because she was "primping?" Who did she ask?

The only thing we really know is that Kellie was talking to Elliott.

Also, this line: "As evidenced by her run on "Idol," really turns me off. If she can't start off fresh, as difficult as that might be it's part of her job, then I am not really sure I trust the rest of what's written.

Anyway, details do get left out of stories. Not every review is going to be glowing.

I can see and hear the growth in Kellie and her performances, and I am sure Kellie will always have more than just "some sort of career."

[fanofkellie]

Yeah, not a very good review. It had some good points, but overall, not very supportive. It's almost as if she's unable to shake loose from a preconceived notion about Kellie.

[KP_NUTZ]

Originally Posted by north_clt

I think I remember the writer from during Idol, and the Idol tour. I am pretty sure I've had issues with her stories before.

One question here is: How does she know Kellie was late because she was "primping?" Who did she ask?

The only thing we really know is that Kellie was talking to Elliott.

Also, this line: "As evidenced by her run on "Idol," really turns me off. If she can't start off fresh, as difficult as that might be it's part of her job, then I am not really sure I trust the rest of what's written.

Anyway, details do get left out of stories. Not every review is going to be glowing.

I can see and hear the growth in Kellie and her performances, and I am sure Kellie will always have more than just "some sort of career."

I thought I recognized the name also. I'll see if I can find anything in my records. I must say I hated her review - many sly digs.

I thought the last bit was the worst IMO-
"Those who came for the star power got Pickler. Those who came for some meaty singing got these two", was the worst. It was as if she was saying you could have replaced Kellie with any star celebrity eg Paris Hilton, but if you wanted "meaty singing" you would have chosen the other act.

[robert1848]

Originally Posted by amanda_434

My friends and I saw her on Wed and we all agreed Kellie sounded flawless even though they aren'y big fans of Kellie, so I don't understand the "will never be a truly great singer". Also, she came out within 10 minutes after Jack Ingram finished, so I don't think "primping" has anything to do with it.

But on a lighter note, that's a cute picture! I love that shirt- she's been wearing it a lot lately, but it's really cute!!

It wasn't clear that you realized she was talking about the show in Richmond Thursday night. The opening act finished at 9:50 and Kellie started at 10:30, a forty minute delay. However, it was not all Kellie's fault.

More about this later with some comments about this review.

[robert1848]

Here are a few reader responses to the review (they were all posted at the same time because apparently they were screened then posted.)

Richmond, VA

Friday, July 27, 2007 11:15 AM GMT

At 5:33 PM GMT Bamaboy said ...
Ive seen Kellie perform live before and I was very impressed with her vocal ability. Ive listened to country music all my life from Hank Williams to the present day singers, whom more than half of them are not even country singers. I think Kellie is already a GREAT Singer, and I would rate her in the top 10% of traditional Country singers who are active today. She is a Beautiful young LADY with an outstanding voice and with a heart of Gold and a personality like Ive never seen before, she is an absolute darling. Also she is at least 10 times better as a country singer than you are as a music critic. You must have some sort of hearing imparement or maybe you are a little tone deaf. Maybe you should try another profession.

At 5:33 PM GMT Anonymous JDF said ...
Im going to a Paisley concert too and just to see Kellie Pickler.. I think she has an amazing voice and is a beautiful person inside and out. Kellie is really a true country singer with a lot of heart and soul. Shes a delight to watch! I don know what country music you listen to but you must be tone deaf..

At 5:33 PM GMT AGB said ...
ditto to everything above, AND.MORE..... Here is my suggestion to you, next time try cleaning the sh** out of your ears, that might help ALOT!! Then get some taste in music. Try reading up on Miss Pickler!! , as she has been talked about in very high regard by MANY, thousands who have seen her perform. The girl can sing, like no other, her voice is awesome, tell you what,.. you know when someone has a real voice, listen to them sing the national anthem. Kellie Pickler, nails it everytime, go to you tube, check her out singing it, there are at least 3 videos there, seperate occations. This girl has it ALL, voice, stage presence, personality.. ect.. shes a total sweetheart, do you have any idea why she was late? did you bother to find out why? There very well could of been a damn good reason. I am actually goin to see kellie pickler, twice in one weekend, more then 1,000 miles traveling. to see her and only her. I am NOT goin to see Brad Paisley, Taylor, can sing Swift, or Jack put me out of my misery Ingrim. I bought the tickets to see Kellie! When shes done, we are leaving, well, leaving the concert area. She is on the best selling country tour of the summer right now. And I GARANTEE you, she is part of the reason for it, she is done with Brads tour in Sept, i believe Rodney Akins will take her spot. I also bet, sales go down for Brads tour. I would pay big bucks to see kellie, and travel hundreds of miles. Well as I am goin to be in Aug.

At 5:33 PM GMT Anonymous said ...
Guess why people saying they didn hear about the show before hand, Is because of writers like yourself.. Oh and just to let you know.. I would pay ten times more to see Kellie then I would Miss Underwood. As your review is just that your option. As for my option Kellie is a much better singer. A great entertainer. And she has a heart of an angel. They tried to get her to go after the show, but she refused until she signed everything for her fans.. And she is real country, Not like this fake crap the radio pushing on us these days... She will be around a very long time..

[Young_br]

some others coments at her site

cwb10a

I just wanted to post a quick review of Kellie's show at Toad's Place in Richmond, Va this past Thursday night. Kellie hit the stage at about 10:30 to the applause of about 500 of us lucky Richmonders. She was wearing all black except for a very sexy pair of sparkling silver high heels. It was a standing only show so almost every one was pushed up towards the stage. My wife and I were lucky enough to be about two rows of people back at center stage so we spent most of the show within 10 feet of Kellie. Kellie was as playful and beautiful as ever. She interacted alot with the crowd both during and in between songs. At one point she came down from the stage and into the crowd shaking hands and giving high fives all while she was still singing. You could tell she really appreciated everyone who came out. She also told us that she had spoken by phone with our hometown boy Elliott Yamin earlier in the day and that he sent his best to everyone. Kellie played most of the songs from her CD and a few covers. Here is the setlist:

Gotta Keep Moving
Things That Never Cross a Man's Mind
One of The Guys
My Angel
Walking After Midnight
On My Way
Did'nt You Know How Much I Loved You
Small Town Girl
Stand By Your Man
9 to 5
I Wonder
Red High Heels
(encore)
Independence Day

That's all folks,

Carl in Richmond, VA

Mike35

I was lucky enough to get to go Thursday night to see Kellie. She was absoulutely wonderful. The show was great. I was one of the lucky ones also that when she came off stage and into the crowd to shake my hand and stand by me for a few seconds while singing red high heels. I would definately go see her again, and hopefully Richmond will be lucky enough to have her here again. The venue was great and the crowd also. Thanks. Mike

[amanda_434]

Originally Posted by robert1848

It wasn't clear that you realized she was talking about the show in Richmond Thursday night. The opening act finished at 9:50 and Kellie started at 10:30, a forty minute delay. However, it was not all Kellie's fault.

More about this later with some comments about this review.

I know she is talking about the Richmond show. I was just comparing it to what I had seen a day before. Kellie's voice and talent can't change much over the course of 24 hours. And since Kellie has been on time for her other concerts, I seriously doubt the delay at Richmond had to do with primping or anything that was her fault.

[north_clt]

Originally Posted by Young_br

some others coments at her site

cwb10a

I just wanted to post a quick review of Kellie's show at Toad's Place in Richmond, Va this past Thursday night. Kellie hit the stage at about 10:30 to the applause of about 500 of us lucky Richmonders. She was wearing all black except for a very sexy pair of sparkling silver high heels. It was a standing only show so almost every one was pushed up towards the stage. My wife and I were lucky enough to be about two rows of people back at center stage so we spent most of the show within 10 feet of Kellie. Kellie was as playful and beautiful as ever. She interacted alot with the crowd both during and in between songs. At one point she came down from the stage and into the crowd shaking hands and giving high fives all while she was still singing. You could tell she really appreciated everyone who came out. She also told us that she had spoken by phone with our hometown boy Elliott Yamin earlier in the day and that he sent his best to everyone. Kellie played most of the songs from her CD and a few covers. Here is the setlist:

Gotta Keep Moving
Things That Never Cross a Man's Mind
One of The Guys
My Angel
Walking After Midnight
On My Way
Did'nt You Know How Much I Loved You
Small Town Girl
Stand By Your Man
9 to 5
I Wonder
Red High Heels
(encore)
Independence Day

That's all folks,

Carl in Richmond, VA

Mike35

I was lucky enough to get to go Thursday night to see Kellie. She was absoulutely wonderful. The show was great. I was one of the lucky ones also that when she came off stage and into the crowd to shake my hand and stand by me for a few seconds while singing red high heels. I would definately go see her again, and hopefully Richmond will be lucky enough to have her here again. The venue was great and the crowd also. Thanks. Mike

Interesting set list. She does everything from her CD except Wild Ponies, Girls Like Me and Life's Too Short (the iTunes bonus track).

[robert1848]

Originally Posted by amanda_434

I know she is talking about the Richmond show. I was just comparing it to what I had seen a day before. Kellie's voice and talent can't change much over the course of 24 hours. And since Kellie has been on time for her other concerts, I seriously doubt the delay at Richmond had to do with primping or anything that was her fault.

Sorry Amanda. I just mis-read your post. You did mention Jack which made it clear you were talking about Wed in Delaware.

Read more about the delay in my next post.

[robert1848]

OK, lets get into this......And it looks like from the quotes I extracted that Drew was saying these things about Kellie. Obviously, it was all from Melissa Ruggieri, the reviewer.