'Idol' contestant giving free concert in Ocala
BY ANTHONY VIOLANTI
STAR-BANNER
PICKLER PERFORMANCE
What: Free performance by "American Idol" contestant Kellie Pickler
When: 6 p.m. Jan. 15
Where: Outside The Paddock Mall, Ocala
OCALA - Kellie Pickler is coming to the Paddock Mall and she won't be shopping.
Pickler, the popular "American Idol" contestant and rising country music star, is scheduled to appear at the mall Jan. 15 at 6 p.m., for a free, outdoor concert, according to K-Country radio.
"We've worked out a deal with Kellie's record company for her to appear at the mall," said Jim Robertson, general manager of WOGK-FM 93.7. "She's going to be here on Jan. 15, and we expect a huge turnout of her fans." That is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a holiday, which might add to the size of the crowd.
It is the first music concert by a national artist at the mall in recent memory. Robertson said there is no way to predict a turnout but he expects "hundreds of fans" and maybe more.
Pickler, 20, will perform on an outdoor stage, Robertson added. The stage is expected to be located near the entrance of the JC Penney store. Robertson said the radio station and security personnel at the mall are still working on arrangements for the show. Some parking spaces will be blocked off for the stage area.
"We expect her to perform for about a half hour," Robertson said. He also said Pickler is expected to sign autographs after the performance.
"She has been on a tour of cities making these promotional appearances," Robertson said. "Some of them are at bigger venues and others are private listening parties. We wanted to open it up so everyone here will get a chance to see her."
Although Pickler was eliminated from "American Idol" finals last spring, she charmed fans with her blond hair, good looks and country-girl sense of humor. US Weekly magazine came out with a story on her called, "Kellie: The Next Jessica Simpson," due to her "sweet Southern style and ditzy demeanor."
Pickler's vocals and personality have been compared to a young Dolly Parton. In November, Pickler's first album, "Small Town Girl" debuted at No. 1 on the country charts.
Despite her sunny personality, Pickler, who was born and raised in North Carolina, had a difficult life. She has said she was abandoned by her mother as a child and raised by her grandparents. She claimed her father, Clyde "Bo" Pickler Jr., had a lifetime problem with drugs and alcohol. He was recently released from Florida State Prison.
On stage, though, Pickler glows with joy.
"There's something about her that people love," said the K-Country radio personality known as Mr. Bob. "I can't wait to see her in Ocala."
Anthony Violanti may be reached at 867-4154 or
anthony.violanti@starbanner.com
source:
http://www.ocala.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...58/1001/NEWS01
I can't however, too far.
