Being Kellie Pickler
This country crooner from Albemarle, NC is the genuine article
Kellie Pickler has been a local favorite since she auditioned for American Idol in 2005. 'Pick Pickler' was her mantra as she wooed viewers to vote her through to the next round. Her talent, wit, and guilelessness won fan's hearts and a sixth place finish in the competition. Now 23 years old, Pickler lives in Nashville, is a successful BNA Records recording artist, and has two best-selling albums under her belt.
Raised by her grandparents, she has become more worldly, experienced, and educated from her travels. "I've changed a lot since Idol," Pickler says, "I have a better understanding of who I am, and I've grown up a lot." Her confidence showed during a performance at the 2009 NC State Fair where she played to a sold out crowd. "You just want to make that show the best ever because you want to make everybody proud. It's fascinating to look out in the crowd and see people you went to school with — it's neat to see that support and love from your town." Pickler's 2007 show at Dorton Arena also sold out, but she is emotional about playing at home. These are the shows that make her nervous, as she doesn't want to disappoint.
—Triangle Style | Winter 2009
