Kellie Pickler Lands Important Gig for 2021
Many fans of Kellie Pickler have been wondering and maybe a little worried about what her next move might be after the Emmy-nominated morning show Pickler & Ben with Ben Aaron was discontinued after two seasons in 2019. Since then we haven’t heard much from Pickler aside from the occasional Opry performance or other public engagement. In the early 2010’s, Kellie was one of the most impressive and critically-acclaimed performers in mainstream country music.
But she has found an important new gig, at least for 2021. Kellie Pickler has officially been named the USO Global Ambassador in support of the organization’s 80th anniversary. Along with fellow ambassador, actor Wilmer Valderrama, Pickler will participate in events and engagements for service members, raise awareness of the needs of military personnel, and share ways Americans can help the USO give more than thanks through the organization’s Give More Than Thanks initiative.
Kellie Pickler has been one of the most steadfast supporters of the USO throughout her career. She performed on her first USO Tour in 2007 to Iraq, and has since completed 12 total tours, visiting 13 international locations including Afghanistan, Germany, Iraq, Kosovo, United Kingdom, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Norway, a ship at sea, and three domestic locations.
“I am honored to join the USO as a Global Ambassador for their 80th anniversary of supporting America’s military and especially this campaign encouraging all Americans to give more than thanks,” says Pickler. “The USO has allowed me so many opportunities to serve those who serve us, and this is another way I can help shine a light on something that matters…supporting our servicemen, servicewomen, their families and letting them know we don’t take what they do for granted.”
In 2012 Kellie Pickler released the album 100 Proof, which turned out to be her third and final record for Sony. In many ways the record was a precursor for important things to come in country music in the proceeding years. It included songs co-written by Chris Stapleton and Brent Cobb before they had made it onto many people’s radar. Chris Stapleton also sang harmonies on the record, and Paul Franklin played steel guitar. As a major label release from a former American Idol contestant, it was well-written, very personal to Pickler, quite traditional, and went on to win Saving Country Music’s 2012 Album of the Year.
But it’s hard for women in country music as we know, and especially hard if you record a more traditional style of country like Kellie Pickler does. Sony didn’t put much effort into promoting 100 Proof, and released her after the album. Kellie released her last record The Woman I Am through Black River Entertainment in 2013.
Terry
February 8, 2021 @ 11:46 am
What a great opportunity for her. I just began a biography of Bob Hope, who travelled millions of miles entertaining our military, and its so nice to see someone younger continuing this great tradition! Our servicemen and women will be blessed by her and shame on the record companies for giving up on her.
Di Harris
February 8, 2021 @ 1:11 pm
The USO should set up in D.C. This week.
They need to be supporting our National Guard.
The Guard would appreciate Kellie and the USO.
Concertina wire fencing needs to come down in our Nation’s Capitol.
All Guard members need to be treated with respect. Not like they are on their own, to find < 3rd World sleeping arrangements.
It is good that Kellie has found a gig with the USO.
100% for them.
The singer Springsteen needs to take his Jeep to our Nation's Capitol, & along with other Americans, park beside the Concertina wire fencing, and politely ask to speak to those, reclining in their bunker(s).
Chris
February 9, 2021 @ 5:51 pm
There’s a singer named Springsteen?
That’s news to me, tell me about him.
Jack Follis
February 8, 2021 @ 3:32 pm
Congrats & Way To Go, Kellie !!
I am so happy to see you getting the recognition you so greatly deserve. The USO is getting a great Christian woman and someone that truly upholds the military as a major part of her success. I know you won’t take this new position for granted, you never have and I’m sure you never will.
Hey Arnold
February 8, 2021 @ 7:39 pm
Can she take Dan + Shay with her?
Eric
February 8, 2021 @ 8:39 pm
I had zero clue about the 100 proof record until I read about it here.
PJ
February 9, 2021 @ 8:03 am
Kelly is a talented singer who doesn’t masquerade as a “country” artist…she really is! I wish her all the best.
Euro South
February 9, 2021 @ 4:17 pm
Where’s Kellie Pickler when you need her?
Wayne Braxton
February 10, 2021 @ 4:30 pm
Excellent choice the USO made in choosing Kellie. I am retired military and spent a lot of those 22 years overseas from Vietnam to Europe. The Caribbean to Asia.Always glad to find a USO and enjoyed every show I saw. So very glad Kellie got this position. I wish her the very best.
Carol Hoppe
May 30, 2021 @ 6:12 pm
Love you Kellie and have been hoping you & yours have stayed healthy. Saw you in concert 2 times and would love to see you again. Also loved you & Ben together on your show. Yours was better than the others and I am disappointed they took it off. Am very happy to hear about your USO gig.. Please keep up the great work.
gloria silvestri
October 10, 2021 @ 9:27 am
she is the best loves her country. We miss seeing her. Hope to see her soon in concert.At least please sing on the Opery. your number one fans in Florida AL the marine his wife Gloria, and Julia who has Down Syndrome, you have had her on stage a few times with you . love the Silvestri Family