Kellie Pickler's Small Town Girl Debuts Atop Billboard's Country Album Chart

NASHVILLE, TN (Bna Entertainment) -– After a season on American Idol, Kellie Pickler knows firsthand the power of the vote, and with the release of her debut album, Small Town Girl, she debuts at Number One on Billboard�s Top Country Albums chart and at Number 9 on the all-genre Billboard 200. In addition, Small Town Girl becomes the best-selling debut album this year by a new country artist, with fans snapping up more than 79,000 copies in its first week of release.

These are big-dreams-come-true for the native of Albemarle , NC , where just over a year ago she was a roller skating waitress trying to chart her course to Nashville , a record deal and the stage of the Grand Ole Opry.

“2006 has been the best year ever,” Kellie enthused. “I�m so excited to be on the country charts, let alone Number One! Thanks to everyone who helped make the album and to all the fans who are still picking Pickler!”

And when asked, “now that your album has not only released, but debuted at Number One, and you�ve played the Opry and criss-crossed the country on radio and television and appeared on the CMA Awards, what�s next,” she responded in her perky Southern accent, “Well, I guess it�s time to get busy!”