Raw interview with Kellie

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Albemarle Native Kellie Pickler was home for a concert in Charlotte Saturday.

It’s one of the biggest country music concerts of the year and Kellie Pickler is the final opening act. We’re told the lawn is sold out and, although Brad Paisley is the main act, there are people from all over the Carolinas in town to see our very own Kellie Pickler. She said she couldn’t be more excited to be back home.

As the crowds lined up outside, Albemarle native Kellie Pickler was backstage thinking about her friends here.

“I am a little nervous just because I don’t want to disappoint anyone, I really want to make everyone proud.”

Many in the crowd are already glowing with pride.

WCNC

Kellie Pickler in concert in Charlotte
One-on-one with Kellie Pickler

“She’s so cute, she’s a Carolina Girl,” said Sloan Matthews from Gastonia.

John Good from South Carolina added, “I’m tickled to death she’s here and I get to see her tonight."

"We saw her when she was singing under one light bulb and on a flatbed truck and we are just so excited that her dreams have come true,” described Claudette Burris, who lives in Pickler's home town.

As she took the stage, the Carolina girl brought her video camera as she told us she would.

“So I can tape everything because this is still so surreal for me.”

This is her first concert tour that is not related to 'American Idol' and it’s something she never thought would happen since she finished sixth.

“I’m actually on a country tour, I’m in my element and in my genre. So I’m really really excited about tonight,” she said.

Pickler says she’s surprised at the success of her new single, ‘Red high Heels.’ But her song ‘I Wonder,’ about her mother who left when she was a child, has had the most impact on her life.

“I think the best thing that I’ve gotten out of this song is writing it. It’s been kind of like therapy for me,” explains Pickler.

And it’s her honest, open attitude that keeps the fans wanting more.

“She’s just sassy, we love her,” said Claudette Burris.

This is just one of the many stops on Kelly’s whirlwind tour. From here she heads up to New York where she will appear on the Regis and Kelly show next week.