'Have a Little Respect,' Kellie Tells Idols

It seems the Idol veterans think that the kids just don't have enough respect these days.

First Carrie Underwood, and now Kellie Pickler, have said that these season seven whippersnappers have a little too much mouth when they're in front of the judges.

In the last couple of weeks Syesha Mercado and David Cook have both sassed the experts after they've knocked their performances, and this season had one the cheekiest contestants ever in Danny Noriega.

Season one winner Carrie recently said that it makes her angry when contestants argue with Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul instead of just taking their criticism "like a man."

And last night, after scooping three CMT Awards, season five finalist Kellie, backed Carrie up.

"I agree with her on that," she said. "On American Idol, most of the people who are on the show have not had much experience, and Simon, Paula and Randy are all three there to give us constructive criticism."

"If you can'?t take constructive criticism in this industry, you'?re in the wrong profession," said the "Red High Heels" singer.

Maybe this year's crop should take Kellie's advice on this one. Accepting her first award of the night (she went on to win more than anyone else), the 21-year-old thanked American Idol, calling it "the rocket that launched my career."

"I think you have to respect their opinions, their input and their advice because they?'ve been doing this for so long," said Kellie.

"Nine times out of 10, Simon'?s right on the money, you know?

"You have to be able to take that criticism, go back, apply it, and work on it and come back and make it even better."

"They are giving you a once in a lifetime opportunity so owe the respect back."

Kellie also told OK! her picks for this year's winner.

"They?'re all so good," she told us, but admitted that her touring schedule has meant that she hasn't seen much of the show recently.

"I really like the little David Archuleta guy. He?s so cute. He?'s probably my favorite guy," she said.

What is it about Carly Smithson's name that makes it so hard to remember? A few weeks ago Simon had to ask Paula what the "Irish girl" was called, and Kellie couldn't put her finger on it either, even when she was picking her as her favorite girl in the contest.

"Is the Irish girl still there?," she said. "I really like her as well. Can'?t remember what her name is."