Kellie Pickler's career began on the American Idol stage in 2006, when the then-19-year-old North Carolina native finished sixth on the show's fifth season and quickly became one of its most beloved breakouts. Born June 28, 1986, in Albemarle, North Carolina, and raised by her grandparents, she signed with BNA Records shortly after the show and launched a country career built on her bright personality, traditional vocal style, and autobiographical songwriting.

Her debut album Small Town Girl (2006) debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, earned gold certification, and produced singles "Red High Heels" and the personal ballad "I Wonder," written about her estranged mother. Her self-titled sophomore album, Kellie Pickler (2008), also opened at #1 on the country chart and featured "Best Days of Your Life," co-written with Taylor Swift, which peaked in the country top 10.