Kellie Pickler grew up immersed in country music in the small town of Albemarle, North Carolina. The words of Tammy Wynette, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, and Dolly Parton shaped her musical footing. At the age of 19, she gained fame as a contestant on the fifth season of “American Idol.” Throughout the competition, Pickler’s performances showcased her powerful voice and emotional depth. This earned her a loyal fan base and ultimately landed her in the top six of the competition.
Following her success on “American Idol,” Pickler signed a record deal and released her debut album, “Small Town Girl,” in 2006. The album achieved significant commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. It went on on to sell more than 900,000 copies worldwide. Hit singles “Red High Heels” and “I Wonder” resonated with audiences due to their relatable lyrics and Pickler’s heartfelt delivery.
She followed that in 2008 with her self-titled sophomore record, featuring country radio hits “Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful,” “Best Days of Your Life” (co-written with Taylor Swift and her first Top 10), and “Didn’t You Know How Much I Loved You.” Having established herself as not only a powerful vocalist but also a songwriter, Pickler released her third studio album, 100 Proof, in 2011 to huge critical acclaim. The album was named the No. 1 Country Album of The Year by Rolling Stone and was listed on several “Best of 2012” lists.
2013 was a busy year for Pickler, with the release of her fourth album, “The Woman I Am.” The album featured three songs co-written by Pickler including the title cut. The same year, she partnered with dance coach Derek Hough and won the sixteenth series of “Dancing with the Stars.”
Pickler has also ventured into acting, with roles in films such as “The Best Years of Our Lives” (2013) and “Christmas at Graceland” (2018). She also voiced the lead character, a sweet potato named Mirabelle, in the animated movie “Beauty and the Beet”. A TV favorite, Kellie frequently appears on a range of chat shows. Her docu-comedy series “I Love Kellie Pickler” was a hit with audiences. She returned to “American Idol” twice in 2016. In February she mentored two of the Top 24 finalists, and in April she performed on the series finale. She also launched a home goods line in cooperation with the Opry Stores in 2015.