Thursday, July 17, 2008
Country 'Idol:' Kellie Pickler

Bubbly country singer Kellie Pickler, 22, has come a long way from the small town of Albemarle, N.C.

She kept focused while enduring a less-than-stable home life. Pickler's mother left her in the care her father, who was battling with drugs and alcohol. As her father fought his demons, Pickler found solace in the home of her grandparents.

Fast-forward to "American Idol" season five in 2006, where she won fans' hearts. Her debut album, "Small Town Girl," went gold, and she went on to win three Country Music Awards.

Pickler has become an example for those dealing with life's hard-knocks, but the artist is uncomfortable with that responsibility. "It's a compliment, but it's kinda weird for people to call me their role model," she says. "They know me through the press. I just think parents should take on the responsibility of being a role model to their kids instead of a singer."

Listening to Pickler talk, it seems that she is filled with common sense -- the direct opposite of how she has been portrayed in the press.

"Some of it is my own fault," she says. "I have learned that TV is so edited. I am so much more than a five-minute interview or an hour interview edited to five minutes."

Pickler opens for Trace Adkins at Meadow Brook Music Festival at 7:30 tonight.





Country 'Idol:' Kellie Pickler

Listening to Pickler talk, it seems that she is filled with common sense -- the direct opposite of how she has been portrayed in the press.

Kellie is really doing a good job of getting away from the ditsy blonde stuff. Remember when she said we will be seeing another side of her? I think she said " a darker side "......she has matured so much in the last year .....we are seeing the "BRIGHTER SIDE" OF kELLIE !

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