Fast Facts About Kellie Pickler

Kellie Dawn Pickler has come a long way for a girl that started out as a roller-skating car hop at Sonic. Born June 28, 1986, Kellie blossomed into a strong, beautiful woman, despite a difficult childhood. When Kellie first entered the music scene in the 5th season of American Idol, she came across as a naive, vulnerable girl. Today, she is a strong and truly independent woman.

Kellie Pickler grew up in Albemarle, NC with her grandfather, Clyde Pickler Sr. and grandmother, Faye Pickler. Her mother, Cynthia Morton, left when she was two years old, later stating abuse as the reason for abandonment. According to www.people.com/people/kellie_pickler, Morton briefly reappeared and gained custody of Kellie in 1995, but later renounced her custodial rights in 1997. Kellie's father, Clyde Pickler Jr., spent time in and out of jail and struggled with drug and alcohol addiction.

Walking into the audition with Randy, Paula, and Simon, Kellie Pickler coined her phrase "Pick Pickler. Pick Me" According to www.tv.com, Kellie told a reporter that she had been singing "before I could talk." Although she only made it to sixth place on American Idol, she secured a record deal only two weeks later.

Never shy about her love of shoe shopping, which Kellie Pickler lists as one of her talents, it was incorporated into her first single. Kellie's first hit single was "Red High Heels."

Kellie Pickler picked up shifts at the Sonic in Albemarle when she returned from Hollywood, according to http://www.wcnc.com.

While completing high school and working at Sonic, Kellie Pickler also participated in and won the 2004 Miss Stanly County Contest. She moved on to the Miss Carolina pageant, but was eliminated.

Kellie Pickler co-wrote "Best Days of Your Life," with Taylor Swift. The two appear together in the music video for the song. Kellie and Taylor toured together on Taylor's Fearless Tour in 2009 and extended performances into 2010.

From April 2007 until October 2007, Kellie Pickler took part in Brad Paisley's "Bonfires & Amplifiers" tour. She then appeared in his music video "Online."

Supporting children's causes, such as St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, is high on Kellie Pickler's list of things to do. She even raised $50,000 for charity by appearing on "Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?"

Kellie Pickler released "I Wonder," which is about her mother abandoning her. Performing it at the 41st CMA Awards, Kellie finished the song with tears streaming down her face. This happened during many performances of this song.

According to www.kelliepickler.com, Kellie Pickler feels she was not wise to the world when she started. However, she learned to manage her business and has remained true to herself.

Kellie Pickler rose from the obscurity of a small town called Albemarle in North Carolina. Today she is a successful, well-known country star.