Former 'American Idol' Contestant, Sugarland Singer Added to Naperville Ribfest Lineup

Two new artists have been added to the Naperville Exchange Club’s 28th annual Ribfest.

Organizers on Friday announced that former “American Idol” contestant and “Dancing with the Stars” winner Kellie Pickler will take the stage Saturday, July 4. Also performing on the 4th of July will be Kristian Bush, half of the famed country duo Sugarland.

This year’s Ribfest is scheduled for July 2 through July 5 at Knoch Park in Naperville. Proceeds from the event, which draws thousands of visitors and award-winning rib vendors from across the country, benefit efforts to eliminate child abuse and domestic violence.

Pickler first gained fame at age 19 as a contestant on ”American Idol.”

“Influenced by the songs of Tammy Wynette, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton, Kellie Pickler grew up immersed in country music in Albemarle, North Carolina,” Ribfest organizers said in a news release. In 2006, the singer signed with 19 Recordings/BNA Records and released her debut album, Small Town Girl, which sold more than 900,000 copies worldwide. ”In 2008, she followed her debut with her self-titled sophomore record, scoring several country radio hits. Her third studio album, 100 Proof, in 2011 received huge critical acclaim and was named the No. 1 Country Album of The Year by Rolling Stone. In 2013, Pickler and dance coach Derek Hough won on ‘Dancing with the Stars.’ Also that year, she released her latest album, The Woman I Am, on Black River Entertainment,” according to a Ribfest release.

Bush has built a reputation as one half of the multi-platinum, Grammy-winning country duo Sugarland for more than a decade alongside singer Jennifer Nettles.

“Founded by Bush in 2002, the duo has sold more than 22 million albums, launched five No. 1 singles including ‘Want To,’ ‘Settlin’,” and ’Stuck Like Glue,’ earned a well-deserved induction into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and taken home trophies from the Grammys, AMAs, ACM Awards, CMT Music Awards and CMA Awards. Bush recently launched his solo career with the feel-good Top 20 hit ’Trailer Hitch,’ and on April 7, he will release his debut solo album, Southern Gravity, on Streamsound Records,” Ribfest organizers said.

Last month, Ribest announced that The Band Perry will be this year’s July 5 headliner.

• The Band Perry to Perform at Naperville Ribfest This Summer

Tickets to Ribfest are on sale now and are available online.

Check out Kristian Bush singing his hit “Trailer Hitch’ on Youtube: