I presume it is pre-recorded
she must be due around about now so couldn't make a commitment to be there on the night. Plus she had to choose between Idol & the Grammys before so why would she be allowed to fly out for Idol again? Although there are articles claiming she'll be there on the night, but I think everyone would be surprised if that actually happened
. The closest to that they'd be able to have is a live video if she hasn't had the baby/isn't having the baby then. It'd be odd to have all these other winners & contestants & not the first winner on the show, especially since she clearly still cares about Idol. They'd do anything they had to to get her to appear in some way. Could still mean you'll get a Carrie/Kelly song &/or picture as maybe she joined in with the pre-recording
A melody of her hits though? Do all the past winners get to do that or just Kelly since she's the original?