Kellie Pickler

Born on June 28, 1986, in Albemarle, North Carolina, Kellie Pickler rose to fame as a contestant on American Idol in 2006, securing a record deal with 19 Recordings and BNA Records soon after. Her debut album, Small Town Girl, was certified gold and produced hits like "Red High Heels" and "I Wonder," solidifying her place in country music. She followed up with Kellie Pickler (2008), featuring "Best Days of Your Life," co-written with Taylor Swift. In 2012, she released 100 Proof, a critically acclaimed but commercially underperforming album, before moving to Black River Entertainment for The Woman I Am (2013). Outside of music, Kellie Pickler gained mainstream recognition by winning Dancing with the Stars in 2013 and later co-hosting the talk show Pickler & Ben from 2017 to 2019. In 2016, she was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, further cementing her legacy in country music.