Kellie Pickler Inks New Record Deal

Kellie Pickler has been added to the roster at Nashville-based record label Black River Entertainment, the current home to fellow artists Craig Morgan, Sarah Darling, Due West and newcomer Glen Templeton. Kellie left her former label, Sony Music Nashville, in June.

"In looking for a label partner, I was really drawn to the Black River family because they hold similar values that I do," says the singer, who recently made news when she shaved her head in a show of solidarity for a friend going through cancer treatment. "From our initial meeting, it was clear to me how much the entire team respects the artists' musical vision, and I'm really looking forward to getting back into the studio to record and release new music to country radio."

Kellie's most recent album, 100 Proof, was released to critical acclaim in January 2012. The album peaked at No. 2 on the country chart and the disc's first single, "Tough," reached No. 30. The second single, the album's title track, failed to reached country's Top 40.

"What's not to love about Kellie?" says Gordon Kerr, CEO of Black River Entertainment, in a statement announcing the signing of the North Carolina native. "She's real, she adores her fans, she's rooted in and committed to country music and she's genuine. How can you ask for more than that?"

Kellie will perhaps talk about the new record deal when she appears as a guest on today's (Monday, Oct. 8) episode of "Anderson," the daytime talk show hosted by CNN anchor Anderson Cooper.

For more about Black River Entertainment, visit their official website.