She only finished sixth on “American Idol,” but Kellie Pickler since built a country music career and on Tuesday, completed another one in dance.
Kellie Pickler came from behind to win season 16 of “Dancing with the Stars,” edging the Disney star Zendaya. Both women had perfect scores this week, but Zendaya had been averaging slightly higher judges’ scores.
Credit her “Idol” and country career for giving Pickler a nudge. But it would be wrong to forget the appeal of her professional partner Derek Hough. It’s possible by now that voters are attracted to Hough more than they are to the “star.”
Hough set a record with four wins on the show. He had previously won with Jennifer Grey, Nicole Schrzinger and Brooke Burke, who now serves as co-host of the show with Tom Bergeron.
Burke, now known as Brooke Burke-Charvet said season 17 will be full of changes for the show, which has been struggling in the ratings, hitting a series low earlier this month with 12.9 million viewers; last year it was drawing more than 17 million a week.
NFL star Jacoby Jones took third.