Pickler set to play in Merced

Country music artist and one-time “American Idol” contestant Kellie Pickler is set to play the Merced Theatre next week.

The pop country show is 8 p.m. Sept. 18 at the theater, 301 W. Main St. Doors open at 7 p.m., and tickets start at $40.

Pickler first stepped on the musical scene in 2005, when she placed sixth on the popular singing competition’s fifth season. But, as was the case with other finalists, she was a runner-up on the Fox show who became more successful in the music industry than that season’s winner – Taylor Hicks.

The North Carolina native grew up in Albemarle, a city of about 16,000. She has said her musical inspirations include country darlings Tammy Wynette, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton.

She’s recorded four albums in the past 10 years, which earned her a gold record and multiple awards, including the 2015 Operation Troop Aid Chris Kyle Patriot Award.

Pickler won over more reality TV fans during her successful run on ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars.” She was the winner in 2013.

Last year, she provided the voice of a sweet potato, named Mirabelle, in the “Veggie Tales” animated movie “Beauty and the Beat.” She also performed eight songs in the movie that were included on the soundtrack.

She is working on a new album, for which she released the first single, “Feelin’ Tonight.” It hit the airwaves and Internet on June 2.

Tickets for the Merced show are available at www.mercedtheatre.org or by calling the box office at 209-381-0500.

This story was originally published September 10, 2015 at 2:04 PM with the headline "Pickler set to play in Merced."