Kellie Pickler

Kellie Pickler is a country singer and television personality best known for competing on American Idol before launching a successful country music career. Pickler was raised primarily by her grandparents after her mother left when she was young. She graduated from North Stanly High School in 2004, where she was a cheerleader and beauty pageant competitor.

Pickler rose to fame as a contestant in 2006’s fifth season of American Idol, finishing in sixth place. She signed with 19 Recordings and BNA Records and released her debut album, Small Town Girl, that same year. The album produced numerous hits, including “Red High Heels” and “I Wonder,” establishing her as a bonafide country artist.

Pickler went on to release several additional albums, including Kellie Pickler (2008), 100 Proof (2012) and The Woman I Am (2013). She won the 16th season of Dancing With the Stars with her professional partner Derek Hough in 2013. From 2017 to 2019, she cohosted the daytime talk show Pickler & Ben with Ben Aaron.

Pickler began dating songwriter Kyle Jacobs in 2008 and the couple married in June 2011. Jacobs died by suicide in February 2023 at age 49. The couple did not have children.