Kellie Pickler is a true renaissance woman. She is a country music star, an "American Idol" alumnus, a "Dancing With The Stars" champion, an animated movie star, an ardent and active supporter of America's men and women in uniform and a dedicated advocate for cancer awareness.
Pickler, from the small town of Albemarle, N.C., burst on to the nationial scene as a contestant on "American Idol." After making it into the popular show's final six in 2006, she was eliminated. Less than two weeks later, she signed a record deal with Sony BMG Nashville.
A few months later, Pickler's first single, "Red High Heels," was released just ahead of her debut album, the appropriately titled "Small Town Girl." The album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Top country albums chart. Her second album also debuted at No. 1. and Pickler has been delivering hit singles and albums ever since. Her latest album, her first for Black River Entertainment, is called "The Woman I Am."
As a former high school cheerleader and roller-skating waitress at fast-food chain Sonic Drive-In, the singer-songwriter definitely has some moves. But who knew she has the dancing skills and, well, the sheer moxie to win the coveted mirror ball trophy awarded to the champion of "Dancing With The Stars" (Pickler candidly admits that she didn't know she had it in her to even appear on the show, but more on that later).
In addition, Pickler has participated in seven USO tours to bring music and a little of home to the men and women of the military serving overseas.
In an exclusive HNGN interview, the multi-faceted entertainer talks about it all--including overcoming her fears, the men and women in uniform who are "true heroes," losing her beloved grandmother to lung cancer, her new music and more.
Pickler's Dancing with the Stars trophy is currently on display at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tenn. However, the country star says she was hesitant to even participate on the show because she laced confidence in her dancing abilities .
"I had been asked to do 'Dancing With The Stars' for several seasons," she told HNGN, "but kept saying 'no' because I didn't think there was any way I could do the show. I thought I wasn't good enough. I really doubted my ability to do it. I'd never ballroom danced in my life and I didn't think that kind of dancing would be something that would come natural to me. I was terrified about doing the show.
"Finally, I came to a place of 'what do I have to lose?' I can just do this. I can have fun. I can work hard and enjoy it, and, who knows, I might discover something that I love that I didn't know I loved.
She credits a large part of her success on the show to dancing partner Derek Hough.
"Derek was amazing to work with. He helped me to discover a passion that I did not know I had -- a passion for dance. He helped me find a new love for dance. I would do the show again in a heartbeat. It was so much fun."
In October, she released a special edition pink vinyl version of "The Woman I Am" to highlight Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The proceeds of the pink edition go to Gilda's Club, a community organization for people living with cancer and their families and friends. The organization is named in memory of comedian Gilda Radner.
On Oct. 5, Pickler performed during the halftime show of an NFL game between the Carolina Panthers and the Chicago Bears at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. The show was called "A Crucial Catch" and supported Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Pickler next album is due out in 2015 and she said she is looking forward to touring across America.
"We are in the early stages on working on a new album," she said. "I've been writing a lot and listening to songs by other songwriters. So, we're gearing up to go back in the studio soon and have new music out next year. And I am really looking forward to that."
So, what would the songstress like to happen to her in the near future?
"I am so fortunate to have good health, good friends, a great husband and a good team of people around me. I really can't ask for anything more. I just want to continue singing my songs and being on the road with my fans. I am already so blessed."
For more about the talented singer/songwriter/renaissance woman, check out KelliePickler.com.
