I got the chance to chat for a little bit with a rising newcomer to country music, Kellie Pickler. You may remember her from season five of “American Idol.” Taylor Hicks was the winner that season and Pickler finished sixth. As soon as she was voted off “Idol,” her music career was well underway. She had instant success with her debut album, “Small Town Girl,” off of which came her first two singles, “Red High Heels” and “I Wonder.” Pickler co-wrote “I Wonder” in response to her childhood experiences of having to grow up without a mother. Her mother left her when she was two-years-old. It’s a very touching song. You can hear her sing it this Thursday (March 1) on “American Idol.” She told me she is very excited to return to the “American Idol” stage to sing her new single. Make sure you check it out.  

Pickler will perform in Emerald Isle on March 16 at the kick-off concert to the St. Patrick’s Day Festival to be held the next day. Check out my article on Pickler in next week’s Max Entertainment Magazine.