Kellie Pickler was raised primarily by her grandparents, Clyde Sr. and Faye Pickler, in North Carolina. A former high school cheerleader, Pickler auditioned for Season 5 of 'American Idol' in Greensboro, N.C. -- she sang Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone" and Martina McBride's "A Broken Wing" -- and ultimately finished sixth in the competition. Post-'Idol', Pickler signed with 19 Recordings / BNA Records and released her debut single, "Red High Heels," in September 2006. She put out three albums on the label -- 'Small Town Girl', 'Kellie Pickler' and '100 Proof', with the first two going to No. 1 -- before signing with Black River Entertainment and releasing 'The Woman I Am' in 2013. The same year, Pickler was crowned the winner of Season 16 of 'Dancing With the Stars'. In 2012, she very publicly showed her support for her friend Summer, who was battling breast cancer, by shaving her head on 'Good Morning America,' and has continued to fundraise for the cause in various ways.
- Birthday: June 28, 1986
- Did You Know …: Pickler admits she was “so nervous” to perform with Kenny Rogers at the Ryman Auditorium in 2013.
- Required Reading: Top 5 Kellie Pickler Songs, ‘Rockaway (The Rockin’ Chair Song)’ — Story Behind the Song