Kellie Pickler made a rare public appearance as she returned to American Idol on May 4 as a guest alumnus. She sang with Hannah Harper, who is in the show’s Top 5 this season, in only her second such appearance since 2023.

Kellie Pickler starred on the show in 2006. As the show marked its 20th year of that season via a reunion, she sang Martina McBride’s song, A Broken Wing, with Hannah Harper. Pickler had, notably, finished sixth in her season on American Idol.

After her appearance on the show, she released multiple albums and songs like Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful and Tough. She was also seen on Dancing With the Stars and some reality shows. However, Kellie Pickler has largely kept out of the spotlight since her husband, Kyle Jacobs, died in 2023.

Jacobs died by suicide on February 17, 2023. He and Pickler had met in 2008 and gotten married three years later. Jacobs was a songwriter, vocalist, and musician. The couple did not share any children.

Since his death, Pickler has largely kept a low profile. She once sang in 2024 during a tribute to the late Patsy Cline. After that, she has now appeared on the new episode of American Idol. Following her performance with Harper, judge Lionel Richie said (h/t Entertainment Weekly):

“All I can say is, the perfect voice blend and complement. The two of you make one dynamic performance. Incredible.”

Other American Idol alumni, Elliott Yamin, Paris Bennett, Bucky Covington, and winner Taylor Hicks, also returned to the show to perform duets. Moreover, former judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul also joined the current judges on the May 4 episode.

Kellie Pickler released a statement after her husband’s death in 2023

After Kyle Jacobs’ death in February 2023, Kellie Pickler stayed out of the spotlight for a while. In August that year, she released a statement about Jacobs and thanked her fans for their consistent support for her and her family. She stated to PEOPLE:

“One of the most beautiful lessons my husband taught me was in a moment of a crisis, if you don’t know what to do, ‘do nothing, just be still.’ I have chosen to heed his advice.”

“Thank you to my family, friends, and supporters, for the countless letters, calls, and messages that you have sent my way. It has truly touched my soul and it’s helping me get through the darkest time in my life. As many of you have told me, you are all in my prayers.”

According to an autopsy report obtained by PEOPLE, Jacobs had a history of “pseudoseizures, gastrointestinal bleeding, elevated liver enzymes, and chronic alcohol use.”

Kellie Pickler revealed to the authorities that when she woke on February 17, she couldn’t find Jacobs. She then saw a closed door in their house, which she and her personal assistant couldn’t open. Hence, they called the authorities, which led to the discovery of Jacobs’ body.