Kellie Pickler attracted much attention as a contestant on the fifth season of Fox’s
American Idol. Recognized for her Southern charm and bubbly personality, she reached the semi-finals round and was never found in the bottom three except during her elimination in week 10 of the competition. The country music singer finished in sixth place.
Despite being eliminated, Pickler got exposed to numerous opportunities brought about by her participation on
American Idol. Subsequent to
American Idol, she appeared on various programs, doing song numbers, talking about her Idol experience, her elimination and future plans. Her television appearances included
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Jimmy Kimmel Live,
The View,
Larry King Live, Live with Regis and Kelly, The Ellen DeGeneres Show and
Total Request Live among others. Having brought economic growth to the city of Albemarle since her participation on American Idol, her popularity and accomplishments eventually earned her a key to the city and a “Kellie Pickler Day” on May 6, 2006. Later that year, she signed recording contract with BNA Records and was able to release her debut album entitled “Small Town Girl.” In line with the release of her album, she appeared in many public engagements and went on tour in different cities. In addition, she also got involved in philanthropic acts, helping fundraisers to support children’s hospitals and gracing charitable events. Because of her deeds, she was featured for the first time in People Magazine and US Weekly magazine. Recently, she was nominated for a Country Music Television Award for Breakthrough Video of the Year for her single “Red High Heels” and an Academy of Country Music Award for Top New Female Vocalist of the Year.
Pickler is set to star on a new show currently being developed by 20th Century Fox and 19 Television. The 30-minute comedy is about a naïve small-town southern girl who discovers that her biological father is the state’s governor.
-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
(Photo Courtesy of E! Online)