03:05 PM EDT on Wednesday, May 24, 2006

By JANELLA MARTINEZ / 6NEWS
E-mail Janelle: JMartinez@WCNC.com

Video on Demand

VIDEO: Kellie Pickler parade Saturday in Albemarle  

Kellie Pickler: Life after 'Idol'
Nothing says "small town girl makes it big" like Kellie Pickler. The Albemarle native made it to the top six on the show 'American Idol'.

VIDEO: Raw interview with Kellie Pickler

VIDEO: Video of Kellie Pickler quiz

NEW video at this hour 

Also online

BLOG: Snippets from interview with Kellie Pickler

10-photos from the Pickler parade preparations

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Nothing says “small town girl makes it big” like Kellie Pickler. The Albemarle native made it to the top six on the show ‘American Idol’.

After Pickler was voted off, the people of Albemarle were still very proud of their star. They were proud enough to throw her a parade and 6NEWS was there to video tape it.

Syndicated celebrity news show ‘Access Hollywood’ sat down with Pickler and showed her the video 6NEWS shot.

While watching the video, Pickler was overcome with emotion. She welled up as she watched her hometown rally around her.

The interview was also the first time Pickler had watched the tearful reunion between her and her father, who had just been released from prison.

“I’ve always been a daddy’s girl and he’s one of my biggest fans,” Pickler said.” And despite all the obstacles we had to over come I really love him, he’s my dad.”

Pickler might have lost on American Idol, but she said she has won so much more.

“You know, American Idol has really taught me to hold my head up high and be proud of where I came from,” Pickler said.

She will perform in Wednesday night’s Idol finale with the top 12 and this summer Pickler will be on tour with the top 10. The tour will stop in Charlotte for a concert Aug. 1 at Bobcats arena.