What's Hot: Grammys Fashion; Robin Thicke Busted for Pot; Grey's-Private Crossover; Vampire Diaries Recap

Kellie Pickler

Celebrity

Kellie Pickler: Biography

12 photos

Birth Name: Kellie Dawn Pickler
Birth Place: Albemarle, NC
Date of Birth / Zodiac Sign: 06/28/1986, Cancer
Profession: Singer; reality-show contestant

User Rating:

(203 ratings)
Add Your Rating:

At age 19, this perky small-town waitress from North Carolina auditioned for Season 5 of American Idol. With her all-American good looks and harrowing sob story (her mom was MIA and her dad was in jail), she soon won over audiences while showcasing a powerhouse voice and charming naiveté (she routinely mispronounced words). She also found a fan in judge Simon Cowell, who predicted she would see the competition through to the end. She didn't win, but finished sixth and landed a record deal. Her first album of country music was the appropriately titled Small Town Girl, released in October 2006. A self-titled album followed in 2008, debuting at No. 9 on the Billboard Top 200 chart and spawning a number of hit singles including "Best Days of Your Life." Pickler has performed on several USO tours and supports the Memphis-based St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.Kellie Pickler Fast Facts:

Won the 2004 Miss Stanly County Pageant and moved on to the Miss North Carolina Pageant, becoming its youngest competitor at age 17.
Was a roller-skating waitress at a Sonic restaurant when she auditioned for Season 5 of American Idol.
Never flew in a plane until her trip to Hollywood to appear on American Idol.
Upon her return home to Albermarle, NC, in May 2006, she was greeted by thousands of well-wishers, including her estranged father, ex-con Clyde "Bo" Pickler.
Was a bridesmaid at Katharine McPhee's February 2, 2008 wedding to Nick Cokas.
Has performed on several USO tours.
Gave up eating meat in 2008 and was named Sexiest Vegetarian Alive (female) by PETA in 2009.
Ranked No. 5 on Forbes' 2009 list of American Idol top earners.
Actively supports St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and has visited the patients there.