Idol Chatter & Voice Views

I’ve written several blogs this year about former Idol contestants who have split with their record companies, so it’s good to report some news of the opposite sort.

Season 5’s Kellie Pickler is now an artist under Blake River Entertainment, the company announced Monday.

Kellie talked about the deal while helping host Anderson (Cooper) Live yesterday and said a new album will likely be coming our way next year.

“I’m so excited,” she said. “We’re looking for songs now.”

Kellie released three albums with the Sony Music Nashville label. The first two — “Small Town Girl” (2006) and “Kellie Pickler” (2008) — performed well on the country charts.

But her latest album, “100 Proof,” released in January, failed to match that success. And by late June, Kellie and the record company had parted ways.

In announcing Kellie’s signing, Gordon Kerr, Black River CEO, said this: “What’s not to love about Kellie Pickler? She’s real, she adores her fans, she’s rooted in and committed to country music and she’s genuine. How can you ask for more than that?”

For the full release, head here.