Kellie Pickler made a name for herself on live television as an "American Idol" hopeful in season six. She fell short of becoming an "Idol" champion but her infectious personality and abundant talent won over viewers nationwide.
Pickler has since enjoyed a successful career in country music and won the Mirror Ball trophy on "Dancing with the Stars" season 16. The North Carolina native's southern charm attracted producers of the new Fox series, "Knock Knock Live" to sign her up as one of the show's co-hosts and she jumped at the opportunity.
"When I found out my job was knocking on doors and surprising people, along with helping make dreams come true, how could you turn it down? It was an easy decision on my part," Pickler recently told reporters.
Her friend and "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest will lead Pickler and other big name stars as they surprise families across the nation with the chance to win big cash prizes, meet their favorite celebrities and turn their wildest dreams into reality.
"Anything can happen. There are games and prizes to be won and each game is a little different," the 29-year-old singer revealed. "We can show up and surprise you with your favorite celebrity or if there is a dream wish we can fulfill, that's what we'll do. It's all about making dreams come true."
Some of the celebrities ready to make those dreams come true are David Beckham, Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Lea Michele and Robin Thicke. Opening the door could be the best thing you ever did!
The idea of surprising total strangers at their home did make Pickler a little uneasy at first.
"If my sister had a camera show up on her door she would be terrified," she told Headlines & Global News. "She wouldn't want to be on camera. She would slam the door in my face. Some people don't want to be on camera."
Pickler added, "But with the news that we are delivering and the things we're giving away, it would be really foolish to slam the door."
Her ultimate message for the show's participants: "Have an open mind. You're not on 'Cops,' okay! We are going to give you something great, but you have to open the door."
The "Red High Heels" singer decided to join the show to be a part of something special and positive on television as well as the chance to work with Seacrest again.
"Ryan is amazing to work with and such a smart businessman. I admire his work ethic and this is really a fun project for all of us involved. It's really an honor to be a part of," she told HNGN.
Pickler also weighed in on the end of "American Idol" as the Fox singing-competition show enters its final season.
"That was the rocket that launched my career," she said. "It introduced me to the world and the world to me. It's bittersweet. I hope they have a big 'Idol' family reunion and have us all come back and share the stage together one last time. I think that would be a special moment."
While "Idol" gave her the opportunity to chase her dreams, her new gig on "Knock Knock" will give Pickler the chance to pay it forward make other people's dreams come true.
Don't miss the series premiere of 'Knock Knock Live' tonight, July 21 at 9 p.m. on FOX.
