Nice review from Penn State appearance

north_clt · 01-30-2008, 07:46 AM

A nice review from her appearance at Penn State's Bryce Jordan Center:

Rascal Flatts, Kellie Pickler keep ticketholders satisfied

As a contrast to high-tech stylings of Rascal Flatts, “American Idol” finalist Kellie Pickler warmed up the crowd with a no-frills performance, promoting songs from her debut album “Small Town Girl.”

Forgoing her “Red High Heels,” Pickler strutted on stage wearing silver glitter high heels, but even they didn’t last long. By the time Pickler was reminding the crowd that she was just a “Small Town Girl,” she was comfortably performing barefoot.

Tackling just one cover, Pickler gave an uncanny performance of her idol Dolly Parton’s 1980s hit “9 to 5.”

While Pickler is at home performing in front of a large audience, one can tell her success is still new. At one point during her set, an audience member shouted “We love you,” prompting Pickler to respond with “Thanks, it’s always nice to think people are interested in ya.” Her appreciation showed as she signed countless autographs.

Pickler shined her brightest when performing “I Wonder,” a song about her childhood with absentee parents.

Saturday’s concert kept ticketholders on their feet. From the first note of Pickler’s “Gotta Keep Moving” to the last note of Rascal Flatts’ “Life is a Highway,” the concert was full of emotion, energy and an occasional laugh.