Kellie Pickler (Photo: Frederick Breedon IV)Kellie Pickler has been in the news lately for her new hairstyle (she recently shaved off all her locks to support a friend with cancer)--and now she's got a new record label as well. The American Idol alum, who left her original label Sony Music Nashville in June, just inked a deal with indie Black River Entertainment.
Pickler will join fellow star Craig Morgan on the roster, as well as up-and-comers Sarah Darling, Due West, and Glen Templeton. "In looking for a label partner, I was really drawn to the Black River family because they hold similar values that I do," she explains. "From our initial meeting, it was clear to me how much the entire team respects the artists' musical vision, and I'm really looking forward to getting back into the studio to record and release new music to country radio."
Pickler's eventual debut for Black River Entertainment will mark her fourth album overall. Her most recent set, 100 Proof, was released in January. She co-wrote more than half the tracks on that endeavor, establishing herself as a songwriter as well as a vocalist. Her split from Sony was noted by both parties as a mutual decision upon the expiration of her contract with the label.
Aside from her own work, Pickler can most recently be seen in a memorable sexy cameo for her friend and fellow AI contestant Bucky Covington's hit video, "Drinking Side Of Country." She will appear Monday on the Anderson Live show, helping Anderson Cooper co-host the program.
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