6. Kellie Pickler
Kellie is another “American Idol” alum that didn’t win, but managed to kick start her career in country music, thanks to the show. Although she gave it the old college try, Kellie finished sixth in season 5. Taking the loss in stride, The North Carolina native headed to Nashville where she signed a record deal with 19 Recordings/BNA Records. She released her first single “Red High Heels” in 2006 and never looked back. Kellie won the “Idol” audience over with her sweet southern charm and found herself continuing to win over audiences today as host of own show, “Pickler & Ben.”
