Kellie Pickler
News

Kellie Picker will return to her home state next week when she performs the national anthem at the Bank of America 500 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series race at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

The American Idol finalist grew up approximately 20 miles from the speedway in Albemarle, N.C. As fans know, she recently hit the airwaves with her debut single, "Red High Heels."

Pickler's first CD, "Hometown Girl," will be released on Oct. 31 by 19 Recordings/BNA Records.

Pickler recorded the CD between her commitments to the American Idols Live Tour 2006, which took the stars of the hit television program to 55 cities during a 10-week span this summer. The CD contains several songs Pickler co-wrote, including her debut single.

"I'm so excited to sing the national anthem at the race in Charlotte," said Pickler. "The national anthem is a challenging song and when you sing it you have to start off low so you can hit that high note.

I'm proud and honored to have been asked to perform it for such a prestigious event."

H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler, president and general manager of Lowe's Motor Speedway, is also psyched.

"With her small-town charm, Kellie caught the imagination of the American public during the American Idol competition .. her popularity will rival that of many of the drivers when she performs for the Bank of America 500. She represents all that is good about Americana."

Once again, Kellie Pickler brings us her thoughts. On her tour, her new album, and on life. What could be better? In her previous journal entry, Kellie wrote about experiences on tour with her fellow Idols. In her latest diary entry, written for USA Today, she talks about recording her upcoming CD as well as maintaining her small-town appeal.

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Hi again! Since I last wrote, we have traveled from city to city every night singing our hearts out and living out our dreams. We have toured in cities from New York all the way to California, and it is not over yet!

In the meantime, on our days off I have been in the studio trying to finish up the album, which comes out October 31. I just recently finished my first single, Red High Heels, which is a really sassy, upbeat song.

I am so excited about my single going to radio! While we were on tour in Texas I autographed 200 red high heels so we could send one to all of the radio stations along with the single. I felt like I was in heaven surrounded by all of those shoes!!

As far as the songs on the album, I have helped write a lot of them, so they are all very personal to me. I can relate to all of the songs ... it's almost like the album is an open book of my life. I have tried to put as much of myself into creating this album as I can.

I just decided that I wanted the album to be called Small Town Girl, and it's really neat because the first song I wrote is called Small Town Girl.

Aimee Mayo, a songwriter in Nashville, and I sat up until about 4 am writing this song. It talks about how much fun it is growing up in the country, in a small town.

Plus, I want all of my fans to know that I am still that same small-town girl that they voted for on American Idol. The album consists of songs that are fun and upbeat, and then there are songs that are about being in love and getting your heart broken. There are what we call girls' anthems as well as guys' anthems.

I can't wait to get it on the shelves, I think that is when it will really set in. I must say that I didn't realize how much time and hard work it takes to make an album. It’s been a blast in the making!!!

Xoxo Kellie

The new issue of Entertainment Weekly features brief rundowns of the seven Idol-affiliated album releases this fall (not counting Mario Vazquez, the Idol dropout)! The column takes its best guesses at the albums' prospects. Here's the essence of what they said about each:

Clay Aiken: "It appears those Claymates follow their leader no matter where his hair takes them."

[Translation: It's going to me a smash!]

Ruben Studdard: "The disc is still pretty standard R&B ... we're not counting out Celebrity Fit Club just yet."

[Translation: Not so sure about its potential success.]

Kellie Pickler: "Simple but sweet."

[Translation: They haven't heard any of it yet, are somewhat skeptical of Kellie's talent, but find her charming, and have no real idea how it will play in the country market.]

Fantasia Barrino: "Sounds promising, but plese, no more Lifetime flicks."

[Translation rendered unnecessary.]

Taylor Hicks: "'There's gonna be horns. I like to say brass with ass,'" Hicks is quoted as saying.

[Translation: Since it hasn't been recorded yet, they're a bit concerned, but who's really going to count out the Soul Patrol?]

Katharine McPhee: Quoting KIIS-FM/Los Angeles program director John Ivey: "'Katharine is a complete wild card.'"

[Translation: Diana DeGarmo redux? Let's hope not!]

Chris Daughtry: Quoting Ivey again: "'You can't come of American Idol and be this rock God.'"

[Translation: Chris may have a tough time getting airplay from credibility-obsessed rock radio stations that think anyone associated with Idol is a gimmick.]

Kellie Pickler brings us more thoughts (some of them deep, others not so much) from the road. In her previous journal entry, Kellie talked about what a thrill it was to be on tour, and what a strange trip it's been for her since her first auditions. Now she's back for round two of her tour exclusive, courtesy of USA Today. Here's what K.P. has to say:

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Hi again! Thanks to all of you who read my first online diary entry and posted your comments. It’s great to have your support and encouragement! Here’s the latest on where I’ve been and what I’ve been up to.

After Carolina it was off to Georgia!!! We had a lot of fun there because it was our own Georgia peach, Paris Bennett's hometown! You could tell that Georgia was very proud of Paris! Unfortunately for me I was under strict doctors orders to be on vocal rest for the next three shows! I guess I was overdoing it when we were in Carolina -- of course I wanted to show off in my hometown!

So in the meantime I focused my attention on writing songs for my album. Even though I was on vocal rest for shows in Georgia and Florida, I still wanted to say hello to all the fans, so after Bucky performed I would go out and wave to the crowd so everyone knew that I was there and appreciated their support.

After that, I would change into all black and a hoodie and I’d sit right in front of the stage and enjoy watching the others perform. And I have to say that they put on a great show!

When we left Florida I was so excited about the next stop that I couldn’t sleep. Finally we were headed to my future hometown... NASHVILLE, TN!!!!! As soon as we arrived I went straight to the doctor for a checkup to see if I was fit to sing in the tour again. Thankfully she said that I was ready to join the other Idols and perform again!

I think that Nashville was the biggest show of the whole American Idol tour for me because after all, Nashville is Music City! Everyone welcomed me with open arms and really made me feel at home.

Plus, not only were we touring there, I began recording the album too, which comes out October 31. Yeah, my first time in the studio recording for my album, I will never forget that feeling! During my first session this man walks in the door and I looked over my shoulder and quickly took a second look. I was so excited when I realized who it was... Kenny Chesney!!!!!

I couldn’t believe that he was standing next to me! It was so weird because just last year I went to one of his concerts and after his show I remember going home and calling my friend Summer and telling her that after seeing Kenny on the stage that night, I knew that that was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

Until next time!
Love Kellie

The American Idol tour may be winding down - but it's not too late to catch up with many of the performers.

Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee may be taking many of the headlines, but as images below prove, other Idols have been enjoying (and sleeping during) their time in the spotlight, as well.

Fans may still be upset that Chris Daughtry was voted off the show so early - but those that have seen the rocker in person are rather pleased.

During her recent impressions of the tour, Kellie Picker left out the part about jumping aboard a police horse. But we caught her!

Life as an American Idol is tiring. Just ask - or look at - Paris Bennett and Lisa Tucker.

She's a busy girl, touring the country and singing her heart out. But if you thought fame was going to Kellie Pickler's head, you'd be dead wrong. The down-home North Carolina girl is still the same kid we fell in love with this spring, and her personality continues to shine brightly and warm our hearts. Boy, does she love exclaimation points! Kellie was kind enough to share her thoughts on the tour with USA Today this week. Here's her journal entry:

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It feels like only yesterday when I got in line at the Greensboro Coliseum for the Season 5 auditions for American Idol. I will never forget the feeling that came over me when Paula, Randy, and Simon gave me my golden ticket and said, "Welcome to Hollywood."

That was the beginning of the rest of my life. Thank you again, everyone at American Idol -- you have made what I thought was only a dream become a reality!

Since American Idol ended in May of this year, the Top 10 Idols including myself have been on the road touring the country. We've only been on the tour a few weeks and so much has happened. Follow me on my journey with who America chose as its top 10 American Idols!

So far we have toured throughout the East Coast and we are not done yet! We have had the opportunity to meet so many incredible people. I will never forget one night when we finished a show, Cyndi Lauper came backstage and just hung out with us and gave us tips on performing and taking care of our voices. We all couldn't believe that she was at our concert.

We were all in shock that she knew who we were. She was so nice and gave great advice. That same week when we were in New York, Elliott, Chris, Ace, Bucky, and I met all the guys from Nickelback. They invited us to their concert and put on an incredible concert and also gave us great advice. Once again, it was crazy to think that these legendary artists knew who we were!

When I thought it couldn't get any better I was wrong ... the next day I received a phone call from my manager saying that I was invited to be a guest cohost on The View!!!! So not only did I have the privilege to tour with the top 10 Idols but now I get to be on The View! Now I have to be honest, I was so nervous sitting beside Barbara Walters. I was so scared that I would embarrass myself.

I think that was the first time I actually thought about what I was going to say before I said it! It was also a really important day for me as I was able to exclusively announce my big news, my record deal with 19 Recordings /BNA Records!! I’m so excited to part of the Sony BMG family and can’t wait to start recording my album!

New York was definitely one of my favorite places!!!! Then we went to Washington, D.C., we were invited to tour the White House and meet the President. I have to be honest with you, when we were in the library I was a little curious, so I pushed on all of the bookshelves just to see if one of them happened to turn and lead into a secret passageway.

Then Bucky came over and told me that I was doing it wrong, and he started pulling on all the books like they were levers! It was just like you see in movies except we didn't find anything ... ha ha! Being able to meet President Bush was an honor. It is not every day that you get to say that you toured the Oval Office and met the President. Mr. Bush was very inspiring and had great words of wisdom.

Our first hometown show was Elliott's hometown in Richmond, Va. It was a great show, everyone was Elliott-crazy. I will never forget looking out in that crowd ... everyone had on bright green shirts with Elliott's face on them and were waving bright green glow sticks. Richmond was a great way to kick off our first hometown show!

Next stop....... NORTH CAROLINA!!!!!

Bucky, Chris, and I were so excited about the Greensboro and Charlotte shows! It felt so good to be home even though it was for only a few days. We were all so excited about being back in the South! Man, had we missed the Southern cooking.

The first thing Bucky did when we got off the bus was order a big glass of sweet tea! Mandisa and I were so happy when we got off the bus in Greensboro and people greeted us by saying "Hey ya’ll!!" For once we were surrounded by the same accent! North Carolina was one of the best audiences we’d had! I am very lucky to come from a state that supports me like they do!

Until next time...

Love,
Kellie!

Mark it on your calendar, fans.

November 14 will be the day of reckoning -- as well as a day likely to see heavy record sales across the U.S. American Idol winner Taylor Hicks will face off against two of his formidable counterparts from the Fox series once again, as his debut album is released right alongside the efforts of runner-up Katharine McPhee and the always-giddy, newly-signed Kellie Pickler (pictured).

Not only will this mark the first time that Idol finalists have shared a release date, but all three will be crooning for RCA Music Group, having been signed by Idol creator Simon Fuller.

Along with Chris Daughtry (also signed by RCA), the three artists have been all over the news and the digital downloads charts already, so the November release date will be an interesting test of who has the biggest fan base. Unless fans just want to buy all three CDs of course. Good luck to all.

Perky blonde / professional ditz Kellie Pickler has become the fourth contestant from last season's American Idol to land a record deal, signing yesterday with country label BNA Records and (Idol creator) Simon Fuller's 19 Recordings Limited.

Her debut album is scheduled for a November 14 release. Pickler is currently with her fellow Idols on their barnstorming cross-county American Idols Live tour.

Meanwhile, Pickler's recent guest-host stint on The View went so well that Rosie O'Donnell, the show's soon-to-be co-host, gushed about it. O'Donnell commented on the appearance on her website yesterday, giving Kellie P. quite the enthusiastic review.

THAT KID/TODAY ON THE VIEW/PERFECTION/TRIPLE LOVE HER.

Eloquent, Rosie.

In other Idol news, the lovely Season Five runner-up has rebuffed reports that she has ditched the concert tour altogether.

Katharine McPhee, sidelined by bronchitis and laryngitis for the last few weeks, posted a letter to her admirers on the fan site katharinefans.com.

"I have heard a rumor that I will be missing the entire tour, I can assure you that that is completely false. I am looking to join the tour around the 21st. That is the doctors [sic] orders, not mine," she wrote.

McPhee has been ordered by her physician to keep completely silent for the last week and half, but old guy boyfriend Nick Cokas has been acting as her interpreter and man-servant. Nice of him. Katharine will test out the ol' pipes on Wednesday when she co-hosts The View herself. Good luck!

What can't the American Idol finalists live without?

A lot of things, ranging from the physically essential (insulin) to the spiritual (the Bible) to the emotional (a blanket from home). As they kick off their 51-city tour in Manchester, N.H., the awesome Idols told People Magazine what special things they'll be taking with them on the road. The tour begins July 5. That's today!

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"I have two things: a bracelet that my fans made for me that says Ace Music on it and beanies so I can throw them out to fans. I have over 300 made. They're going to have a logo that my fans and I have put together." -- Ace Young

"A Taylor travel guitar. It's a little bitty one. It'll go in the bunk with me." -- Taylor Hicks

"A couple pictures of my family and my dog Lily." -- Katharine McPhee

"I have to bring my cowboy hat, black and brown." -- Bucky Covington

"My Bible, of course. The Psalms is a really great book because it runs every emotion possible. I imagine I could use that on tour." -- Mandisa

"My teddy bear. I got it for my Sweet 16 birthday last year and he's still alive. He's a caramel color and so soft. I bought him a new outfit because I just turned 17 on June 13." -- Lisa Tucker

"My little blankie from home. I've had it ever since I was little. It was passed along my family from my grandparents, from grandma to grandma to grandma." -- Kellie Pickler

"My stuffed-animal SpongeBob and my SpongeBob blanket. Kellie's blankie is not as cool as mine!" -- Paris Bennett

"Insulin. I really can't live without it (as a diabetic)." -- Elliott Yamin

It was a match made in American Idol heaven. Or something.

But no matter, because apparently it's over. We are talking about the cute item of failed Idol hopefuls Constantine Maroulis and Kellie Pickler, who reportedly dated for awhile before the cute North Carolina native stopped returning the long-haired rocker's calls.

"We were hanging out and talking all the time and I haven't spoken to her in a while, so I'm not really sure what that's all about," Maroulis said. "I don't know if it's her being too busy or thinking that she's a big star now or something. I'm not really sure what the whole situation is."

Maroulis is not sure exactly what went wrong, but he is fairly sure that the spotlight played at least some role.

"It became a thing where everyone was asking her, 'What's going on with Constantine?' Kellie probably thought, 'I just came off a big show. Ask me about me, not just about Constantine.'"

Maroulis, who kicks off a solo tour in Richmond, Va., on August 1, and who'll be a "singing judge" on the new MTV reality series The Little Talent Show this fall, says he has no hard feelings.

"I wish her the best, man. I think she's a sweetheart."

Pickler, whose rep didn't return calls, hits the road TODAY with Katharine McPhee, Taylor Hicks and the rest of her Season Five cohorts in their cross-country tour.