Kellie Pickler to Sing National Anthem, Perform Concert Before Daytona NASCAR Busch Race

Pickler, a native of Albemarle, N.C., was a finalist in the fifth season of American Idol.

19 Recordings/BNA Records singer and American Idol finalist Kellie Pickler.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - 19 Recordings/BNA Records singer and American Idol finalist Kellie Pickler, who recently released her gold selling debut album "Small Town Girl", will sing the National Anthem and perform a pre-race concert before the 49th annual Orbitz 300 NASCAR Busch Series race on Saturday at Daytona International Speedway.

"We're excited to have Kellie Pickler participate in our pre-race festivities before the most prestigious NASCAR Busch Series race of the season," Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said.

"She's a rising star in the music world and her performance will delight the thousands of race fans in attendance."

Pickler, a native of Albemarle, N.C., was a finalist in the fifth season of American Idol.

Her first album "Small Town Girl", which includes the hit single Red High Heels, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart.

In addition, Pickler was the best selling new solo country artist of 2006 and has performed on television shows such as The View, The Tonight Show, The Today Show and Ellen.

The Orbitz 300 is the premier event in the NASCAR Busch Series and will feature drivers such as two-time defending Orbitz 300 champion Tony Stewart, 2006 NASCAR Busch Series champion Kevin Harvick, 2004 Daytona 500 winner Dale Earnhardt Jr., Carl Edwards and Kyle Busch in the 120-lap, 300-mile event.

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