Kellie Pickler Says There’s No Place Like Home

Kellie Pickler may reside in Nashville with her new husband, songwriter Kyle Jacobs, but the former 'American Idol' contestant says the small town of Albermarle, N.C., where she was raised, will always hold a special place in her heart.

"It's always wonderful when I get to come back home," she tells the Charlotte Observer. "Every time I come home to North Carolina, it makes me feel so good to know people here are lifting me up. It means a lot to me."

The 24-year-old, who recently ranked among the top 'Idol' earners of all time, says she is still a bit overwhelmed by all her success. "It's wild to think of how much has happened," acknowledges the singer-songwriter. "I've been so blessed since 'Idol.' It's been a roller coaster ride I haven't got off. I don't ever want to get off of it."

She may be a favorite guest on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show,' but the blond beauty says she works hard to keep close connections with people outside of the entertainment industry, including her best friend, Summer. "We sit up and talk until 3, 5 in the morning, just talking and catching up because Caroline, Summer's mom, has been like a mom to me," reveals the down-to-earth celebrity. "It's important to keep those people around you."

The 'Red High Heels' singer, who eloped on New Year's Day, says she is still enjoying wedded bliss. "So far it's been great," she notes. "We've only been married a couple months but he is my best friend."

Kellie's new single, 'Tough,' is the first release from her upcoming album -- and one she says is already her favorite. "I've never been more excited about even just a single that we're releasing to radio," Kellie gushes to The Boot. "I think it's gonna be the best one that we've given radio. It's country. It's got a little bluegrass, it's got some fiddle, it's got some steel and it's got some spoons. It's got kind of a dirty hillbilly [sound], but it's still commercial enough, I think, for country radio."

Kellie's new album should hit shelves later this year.