PRESS RELEASE: Kellie Pickler to sing National Anthem prior to Brickyard 400
Country music sensation Kellie Pickler will sing the national anthem during pre-race ceremonies at the 22nd annual Crown Royal Presents the Jeff Kyle 400 at the Brickyard NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, July 26, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
"Kellie is a perfect fit to sing the National Anthem at the Crown Royal Presents the Jeff Kyle 400 at the Brickyard on Sunday," said Doug Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president. "Not only are her musical accomplishments impressive, but she's also an avid supporter of the U.S. military, which is something that is also very important to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway."
After first gaining fame as a 19-year-old contestant on the fifth season of "American Idol," Pickler has gone on to achieve tremendous success as a country music performer, recording artist and songwriter.
"It's always such an honor to sing our National Anthem," said Pickler. "And, it's always a lot of fun to be with the NASCAR fans."
In 2006, Pickler signed with 19 Recordings/BNA Records and released her debut album, Small Town Girl, which has gone on to sell more than 900,000 copies worldwide and produced three hit singles: "Red High Heels," "I Wonder" and "Things That Never Cross a Man's Mind."
She followed that in 2008 with her self-titled sophomore record, featuring country radio hits "Don't You Know You're Beautiful," "Best Days of Your Life" (co-written with Taylor Swift and her first Top 10) and "Didn't You Know How Much I Loved You."
Having established herself as not only a powerful vocalist but also a songwriter, Pickler released her third studio album, 100 Proof, in 2011 to huge critical acclaim. The album was named the No. 1 Country Album of The Year by Rolling Stone and was listed on "Best of 2012" lists by Washington Post, Rhapsody, AOL's The Boot and more.
In spring of 2013, Pickler partnered with dance coach Derek Hough and won the Mirror Ball Trophy on "Dancing with the Stars."
In 2013, Pickler released her fourth album, The Woman I Am, on her new label, Black River Entertainment. She co-wrote three songs on the critically acclaimed album, including the title cut.
Currently working on new music with producers Kyle Jacobs and Matt McClure, Pickler released her new single "Feeling Tonight" on June 2, 2015. She recently launched her home goods line "Selma Drye by Kellie Pickler" in cooperation with the Opry Stores (shop.opry.com ). In addition, she will make recurring appearances on FOX's new television series "Knock Knock Live," and will also star in the upcoming CMT reality show "I Love Kellie Pickler" due to air later this year.
Pickler is also an avid supporter of the U.S. military, having recently completed her eighth USO Tour in December 2014. For more information, please visit www.kelliepickler.com.
