Born on June 28, 1986, Kellie Dawn Pickler are an American country music performer, songwriter, and television personality. Pickler rose to popularity as an American Idol candidate in the fifth season, where she placed sixth. She became a recording artist in 2006 after signing with 19 Recordings and BNA Records.
Later that year, she launched her self-titled debut album, which has now sold over 900,000 copies. Three songs from the RIAA-certified gold album appeared on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts: “Red High Heels” at No. 15, “I Wonder” at No. 14, and “Things That Never Cross a Man’s Mind” at No. 16. The album received a gold certification from the RIAA.
Pickler released her self-titled second album in 2008, which produced four singles: “Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful” at No. 21, “Best Days of Your Life” at No. 9 (which she co-wrote with Taylor Swift), “Didn’t You Know How Much I Loved You” at No. 14, and “Makin’ Me Fall in Love Again” at No. 30.
Pickler was voted the 14th best American Idol alumna in 2012. She parted ways with her previous record label in October 2012 and signed with Black River Entertainment.
Pickler and her partner, Derek Hough, were declared the winners of the sixteenth season of Dancing with the Stars on May 21, 2013. She was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 2016.
She co-hosted the nationally syndicated daytime TV talk show Pickler & Ben with comedian Ben Aaron from 2017 to 2019.
Kellie Pickler American Idol: Did Kellie Pickler win American Idol?
Pickler won Season 16 of “Dancing With the Stars” in 2013 with professional partner Derek Hough. She finished in the Top 6 of Season 5 of “American Idol” in 2006, launching her music career.