Kellie Pickler

Kellie Pickler is a former American Idol contestant who burst onto the Country Music scene with her female empowerment single, “Red High Heels,” a tune that eventually reached #15 on Billboard’s list of Hot Country Songs.  Pickler has firmly established herself as one of country music’s hottest up-and-comers, sustaining her initial success with an assortment of popular follow-up singles.


Kellie Pickler, Small-Town Girl
 
Pickler was born in Albemarle, North Carolina June 28, 1986.  Her mother, Cynthia Morton relinquished custody to her father, Bo Pickler shortly after the birth.  Kellie’s sophomore hit, “I Wonder” is an allusion to her feeling of abandonment with regard to her mother.   
 
She attended North Stanly High School in New London, North Carolina where she was a cheerleader and a dancer.  She also participated in Miss America pageants, and won Miss Stanly County at the age of 17.  
 
Pickler auditioned for American Idol in the fall of 2005 in Greensboro, North Carolina, and eventually placed sixth in the competition, though judge Simon Cowell deemed her top-3 worthy.   
 
On July 17, 2006 she signed a recording contract with BNA Records and joined the American Idol Pop Tarts while she recorded her first album.


Kellie Pickler Helps the Community
 
Pickler is an active supporter of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where she often visits children and takes part in fundraising efforts.  She also performed live to help raise funds for the Hurricane Katrina rebuilding effort.  She recently participated in a USO tour through Iraq performing for stationed troops.