Kelly Pickler Photos and Bio

Kellie Dawn Pickler

Date of Birth: 28 June 1986

Place of Birth: Albemarl, North Carolina, USA

Occupation: Singer

The 19-year-old Pickler auditioned for American Idol in the autumn of 2005 in Greensboro, North Carolina. The judges put her through to Hollywood. Pickler advanced through the semi-finalist rounds in February. On March 9, she reached the Top 12. Pickler was among one of Simon Cowell's favorites. He predicted Pickler would be in the final three, and said he preferred her over the previous season's winner, Carrie Underwood. She amused many people with her false eyelash incident, saying that it felt as if there were "tarantulas on her eyes”. Pickler returned in the finale to sing several songs with the other two finalists; she was also shown in a pre-taped segment called "Puck 'n Pickler", in which she was introduced to some unusual food by Chef Wolfgang Puck for the show's comic relief. In the segment, viewers learned that Pickler does not fancy going near live sea animals especially walrus.

After her elimination in American Idol at sixth place, she went on to appear in numerous shows promoting American Idol. She performed "Walkin' After Midnight" in some of her appearances. On May 6, 2006 Pickler returned to her hometown of Albemarle, North Carolina for a parade and a reunion with her father. She received a key to the city from the mayor of Albemarle. The mayor also proclaimed May 6, 2006 as "Kellie Pickler Day." Her involvement with the top-rated Fox show has brought economic growth to the area of Albemarle. Pickler pursued her recording aspirations in Nashville, Tennessee shortly thereafter. On July 17, 2006 she signed a record deal with 19 Recordings/BNA Records. She later announced it herself on The View. She was part of the American Idol Pop tour ensemble, performing for three months in various cities. During that period, Pickler worked on her album in collaboration with top industry experts in different cities wherever the tour took her. Her latest career development was the announcement of her sitcom under development by Fox Network and 19 Entertainment.