'American Idol's' Kellie Pickler Marries Songwriter Kyle Jacobs

Southern belle Kellie Pickler, 24, married songwriter Kyle Jacobs, 37, in a lovely New Year's Day wedding. According to the LA Times, the couple opted for a small ceremony on a private Caribbean island.

Pickler and Jacobs join famous couples Shania Twain and Frederic Thiebaud and Valerie Bertinelli and Tom Vitale in tying the knot on New Year's Day. Although many couples seem to opt for spring or summer weddings, I could understand the appeal of a New Year's Day wedding as it symbolizes new beginnings. For those who are into numerology, this New Year was particularly significant, being 1/1/11.

And the blond songstress seems to have happily found her match. As she described, "I could never love somebody the way I love him. He's my world."

Jacobs had proposed to Pickler back in June on her late grandmother's birthday. Kellie and Kyle feel that they had gotten her grandmother's blessing. As Pickler told People Magazine, "It was the most spiritual moment. We would've gotten married that night had there been a preacher walking by!"

And Kellie Pickler is over the moon. She is enjoying her time on the private Caribbean island, rum in one hand and cigar in the other. Someone has already started calling her Mrs. Jacobs. "Sounds nice :)"

Pickler first rose to fame as a contestant on the fifth season of American Idol. In the early rounds, she won numerous fans with her sob story about how her father had been in prison and how she was raised by her grandparents.

She also endeared herself to American Idol audiences with her quirky, ditzy personality. Pickler had a sheltered life, as seen in her penchant to mispronounce words and the fact that she had never tried sushi.

Her all-American looks and country music vocals lent to her success both on and off American Idol. Some of her best performances on the show include Martina McBride's"How Far," Patsy Cline's"Walkin' After Midnight," and Reba McEntire's "Fancy."

I really enjoyed her performances and her resilient, positive attitude on the show.

Kellie Pickler's accomplishments since American Idol include CMT Music Awards wins and nominations, ASCAP awards wins, and Academy of Country Music Awards nominations. Her two albums, "Small Town Girl" and "Kellie Pickler," enjoyed widespread success. "Small Town Girl" peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard 200. As of Dec. 22, 2010, Pickler has sold around 440,000 copies (as reported by USA Today).

Are you excited about Kellie Pickler's marriage to Kyle Jacobs? Did you Pick Pickler when she was on American Idol? Do you think she has the talent and drive to match Carrie Underwood's success in country music?

Sources:

Kellie Pickler is married to songwriter Kyle Jacobs, LA Times

Kellie Pickler & Kyle Jacobs Have a Surprise Wedding, People Magazine